Wales fined for its poppy day tributes
WALES have been fined 20,000 Swiss francs by Fifa over Remembrance Day tributes before and during the World Cup qualifier with Serbia.
The fine, which works out at about £15,000, is “in relation to several incidents, including the display of political symbols”.
Wales were under investigation for a number of incidents at the game, including supporters wearing the poppy in the stands and a member of the armed forces holding a bunch of poppies at the players tunnel.
The FAW decided against wearing poppies on their shirts or armbands and was shocked to be charged after the game.
It was particularly concerned that supporters were included in the charge sheet for paying their own personal respects. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were also fined.
England were handed the heaviest fine, 45,000 CHF, with Scotland fined 20,000. Northern Ireland were fined 15,000 CHF for their poppy display while the ROI were fined 5,000 CHF for wearing a shirt commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising during a friendly against Switzerland.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said: “Keeping in mind that the rules need to be applied in a neutral and fair manner across Fifa’s 211 member associations, the display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited.
“In any stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.”