FIFA begins action over match poppies
FIFA last night began disciplinary proceedings against Scotland and England for wearing poppies during an Armistice Day match last week.
The world governing body had told the countries they could not wear the symbol because it could be considered a political message.
But the Scottish and English football associations defied FIFA last Friday, November 11, both sides wearing poppies on black armbands.
The teams could be fined, or even have points deducted in their World Cup qualifying group.
Last night, the SFA said ‘We have received correspondence from FIFA confirming they have opened disciplinary proceedings relating to the match. The case will be submitted to the FIFA disciplinary committee for its evaluation on December 9.
‘We will consider the contents of the complaint and respond in advance of its meeting.’
FIFA regulations say kit should not carry any ‘commercial, political or religious messages’. It warned both countries they would face sanctions if players wore poppies.
Last night, a FIFA spokesman said: ‘We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened on this matter.
‘We cannot comment further at this stage, nor speculate on any outcome or provide an estimated timeline.’
The FA has already said it will contest any fine and believes ‘our legal position is right and our moral position is right’.
Earlier this month, Tory MP Damian Collins, chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: ‘FIFA has strict rules banning political, religious or commercial symbols from shirts. I think it is insulting to people in this country to say a poppy is one of those sort of symbols.’
The Royal British Legion has urged FIFA ‘in the strongest terms’ to rethink its ban, saying: ‘The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. It has no political, religious or commercial meaning.’
Legion director general Charles Byrne said: ‘This small red flower that grew on the devastated battlefields of the First World War is a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the price of peace. We can see no reason why this simple symbol cannot be worn by players at international football matches.’
Critics were angry FIFA was targeting Scotland and England despite having ignored the Republic of Ireland wearing kit marking the centenary of the Easter Rising earlier this year. But it recently launched an investigation following a complaint from a British MP.