Search Here

Northern Ireland and Wales now face the possibility of being penalized for exhibiting large poppy insignia across sections of their stadiums on Armistice Day. FIFA's statement confirmed that the investigation stems from several incidents concerning the display of poppy symbols.

Instances of defying their protocol include wearing of poppies in the stands at the Cardiff City Stadium during Wales' game versus Serbia. Although Welsh and Northern Irish players wore black armbands only, fans displayed a poppy mosaic before kick-off. Also, members of the armed services appeared on the pitch in a tribute ceremony while holding poppy wreaths.

In a report by Independent UK, The Football Association of Wales Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford said that he was disappointed and surprised with FIFA's reaction. He added that their team's intention was to show respect for their war veterans in a right and proper way.

He will, however, strongly contest the charges that will be filed once the investigation ensues. Irish Football Association, on the other hand, faces investigations due to the holding of a minute's silence and the laying of a wreath and a poppy display by fans.

Wales and Northern Ireland players wore plain black armbands during their respective matches. Yet, the world governing body have confirmed that they have launched disciplinary action regardless. The Irish Football Association has quickly released a statement of its own to confirm that it will strongly defend itself against the charges.

The inquiry for Wales' and Northern Ireland's misconduct occurred just a week after the English and Scottish Football Association was charged with breaching FIFA's game laws. In their face off game, the athletes' of both teams disobediently wore black armbands with poppy logo despite FIFA's disapproval of their request to wear the bands. At present, all four home nations are currently under investigation for wearing or displaying poppies in fixtures earlier this month.

According to The Sun, FIFA has banned players from wearing poppies because they prohibit political, religious, or commercial messages being displayed in the field.