FIFA Give England Permission to Wear Poppies But Only on Armbands

November 10, 2011

Soccer’s World Governing Body FIFA have granted permission for England’s footballers to wear embroidered poppies for Saturday’s match at Wembley but only on their black armband.

The FA said in a statement: “The FA welcomes FIFA’s decision and thanks them for agreeing to this. While continuing to adhere to the laws of the game, wearing the poppy on the armband does ensure the poppy will be visible throughout the game.”

FIFA initially denied England’s request yesterday to place poppies on the national shirts during the Spain friendly but influential figures FA President Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron jumped into the row.

The Duke of Cambridge – who lost two close friends in Iraq and Afghanistan – wote a strongly worded letter expressing his discontent.

Mr Cameron, meanwhile, blasted the ‘appalling’ decision to ban poppies worn out of respect for servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Less than an hour after the letters were sent, FIFA  whose reputation is hanging by a thread following a corruption scandal announced the compromise.

It means the FA has complied  to strict FIFA rules banning political symbols being displayed on national shirts, while football chiefs in Zurich save face.

It has also been discovered that NIke have taken advantage of FIFA’s submission by stitching poppies into the football boots of Ashley Cole, Theo Walcott, Scott Parker and Gabriel Agbonlahor for Spain match.