Fifa poppy ban to be lifted for UK home nations

Fifa will allow England players to wear poppies on their kit when Gareth Southgate’s side plays its planned friendly match against Germany at Wembley in November.

All the UK’s mainstream media report this morning that football’s world governing body has changed its stance over poppy wearing by the home nations. As long as the opposition teams agree in advance, poppies can be worn by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for matches on or around Remembrance Day on November 11.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Charles Sale says that Fifa has “come to its senses” over the poppy dispute, while The Times says it’s a “significant victory” for the English Football Association.

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Last year the English FA – as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – were fined by Fifa. England and Scotland received fines for wearing poppies on their black armbands while Wales and Northern Ireland were fined for displaying poppies in their stadiums.

At the time Prime Minister Theresa May told the BBC that Fifa’s poppy stance was “utterly outrageous”.

Arguing that poppies were “not a political symbol”, the ruling had been challenged by the English FA’s chief executive Martin Glenn, who led the campaign on behalf of the home nations.

Fifa’s new rule has not been officially ratified, says The Times, but a circular has been sent to all the UK football associations. It reads: “Whilst ‘religious’ and ‘personal’ are relatively easily defined, ‘political’ is less clear.

“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.

“Competition rules may contain further restrictions/limitations particularly in relation to the size, number and position of permitted slogans, statements and images.

“It is recommended that disputes relating to slogans, statements or images are resolved prior to a match/competition taking place.”