News

FIFA Investigates Northern Ireland And Wales Over Poppy Displays

FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Northern Irish and Welsh Football Associations for incidents including “fans wearing poppies” during a recent game between the two national teams.

FIFA Investigates Northern Ireland And Wales Over Poppy Displays

It relates to commemorations during Wales’ 1-1 draw with Serbia on Nov. 12. The Irish Football Association is under investigation for events prior to Northern Ireland’s 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan on 11 November, Armistice Day.

The move comes after both England and Scotland have been investigated for similar reasons. Players from both national teams were seen wearing poppies on their armbands during their match on Armistice Day.

International Football Association Board rules ban “political, religious or personal messages” on kits, while Fifa ground safety regulations say “the promotion or announcement of political or religious messages” in stadiums is “strictly prohibited.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Teams who violate such rules can either be fined or have points deducted.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Jonathan Ford stated the association is very “disappointed and surprised” and will “strongly contest the charges.”

“Our intention was to show respect on Armistice weekend which we feel we did in the right and proper way,” he said. “We also adhered to the rules and regulations of the competition and the communication from Fifa prohibiting the FAW request for the players to wear the poppy symbol on the armbands or the field of play. We are particularly disappointed that one of the charges relates to supporters in the stands wearing poppies.”

Aside from fans, a member of the armed forces is also being investigated for holding a bunch of poppies at the exit of the tunnel on Nov. 12. Furthermore, a fans mosaic depicting the poppy was displayed during the anthem of Wales. A banner depicting the poppy was also displayed by Welsh supporters before the game began.

A minute of silence was also held during Wales’ game to honor fallen soldiers.

The Irish FA, for its part, said that it “will robustly defend the disciplinary charges.”

FIFA also recently opened disciplinary proceedings over Ireland’s use of a logo during a friendly against Switzerland in March to commemorate the centenary of the Eastern Rising.

CARDIFF, WALES – NOVEMBER 12: Supporters holds up placards to form a giant poppy ahead of Remembrance Sunday prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Serbia at Cardiff City Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

10 hours ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

1 day ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

1 day ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Fencer Eli Dershwitz Explains The Art Of Fencing

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…

2 days ago

Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…

3 days ago

VIDEO: UFC Heavyweight Champion Performs Viral Trump Dance In New York

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…

4 days ago