Fifa backs down on players wearing poppy symbols

FIFA HAS backed down in its row with the Football Association and other home nations over the wearing of poppies by players in international matches.

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were all fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November. FIFA’s stance – based on a strict interpretation of its laws against the use of personal, political or religious slogans or symbols – sparked condemnation in Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May calling it “utterly outrageous” in Parliament. But now, 10 months after a FIFA panel dished out those fines, football’s world governing body has sent its member associations new guidance on law four, the section of the game’s rule book on what players can wear.

FIFA says certain “initiatives” may appear on players’ kits, along with the usual name, number, team crest and so on.

The document does not provide much clarity on what these “initiatives” might be but says they cannot breach law 12, which refers to foul play and abusive language, and restates law four’s existing criteria which 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.”