Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FIFA wilt in poppy display row
Teams allowed to wear emblem on their jerseys
FIFA has backed down in its row over the wearing of poppies by players on their jerseys.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were all fined for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November. FIFA’S stance – based on its laws against the use of personal, political or religious slogans or symbols – sparked uproar, with PM Theresa May calling it “utterly outrageous”.
But 10 months after the fines football’s world governing body has sent associations new
BELFAST YESTERDAY
guidance on law four on what players can wear.
Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen backed the decision.
He said: “The news FIFA are to amend their policy on the wearing of the poppy is long overdue but very much welcome. The poppy is not a religious or political symbol but one of freedom and sacrifice.”
November 9, 10 and 11 are the dates for the first legs of the World Cup play-offs, which are likely to involve Northern Ireland, meaning games could be played on Armistice Day.
And the German FA has given England permission to wear poppies during their friendly at Wembley that month.
FIFA said certain “initiatives” may appear on players’ kits.
It also restated law four’s existing criteria that rule out wearing “personal or religious... slogans, statements or images”.
This leaves “political”, which FIFA admits “is less clear”, although it rules out slogans
and symbols related to parties and governments. It adds: “When commemorating a significant national or international event, the sensibilities of the opposing team (including its supporters) and the general public should be carefully considered.”
In March the IFA asked for clarification of the law but said it won’t comment until the changes are ratified.