POPPY SHIRT VICTORY FOR ENGLAND
...& they’ll wear them against Germany!
FA chiefs have won their battle with Fifa over the wearing of poppies on England shirts.
The Three Lions are now set to sport the symbol in the planned friendly with Germany at Wembley on November 10 – on the eve of Armistice Day.
The FA are understood to be delighted that “common sense” has prevailed after talks with the world game’s chiefs.
Supporters reacted with fury last year when Fifa – football’s international governing body – fined the FA after England and Scotland players wore black armbands with a poppy for their World Cup qualifier at Wembley on November 11.
Wales and Northern Ireland were also punished by Fifa for their own Remembrance Day tributes.
The international bosses were adamant the poppy should be banned from football shirts as they saw it as a “political symbol” outlawed by the rules of the game.
At the time, PM Theresa May branded Fifa’s stance “utterly outrageous”.
England and Spurs striker Harry Kane, 23, also spoke out and said Three Lions stars were proud to wear the symbolic flowers to honour our war heroes.
Friendly
Fifa have now finally backtracked over their ban on the poppy and agreed an amendment to the game’s rules.
And it is understood England will not now have to pay the £35,000 fine.
In future poppies can be worn during international games if agreed with the opposing team and the match organisers.
The German authorities have already been consulted about the issue before the two countries meet for their third friendly in the past 20 months.
An FA source revealed last night: “They are totally relaxed about us wearing poppies.”
The Germans are totally relaxed about it