Poppy Palaver: FIFA Level £80,000 Fine Against England, Scotland, Wales And Northern Ireland Over Armistace Tributes

Chris Wright

19th, December 2016

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poppy-wales-stands

FIFA have fined the home nations a grand total of 80,000 Swiss francs for displaying poppies during the World Cup qualifiers that took place on and around the 11th November.

While England and Scotland defied FIFA by playing against each other with poppies on black armbands, the charges brought against Wales and Northern Ireland related to a variety of breaches, including the affront caused by “some Welsh supporters wearing poppies in the crowd” during their qualifier against Serbia.

As per FIFA’s statement on the matter, England have now been fined 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,311), Scotland and Wales have been 20,000 francs apiece (£15,694) and Northern Ireland have been stung for 15,000 francs (£11,770).

FIFA disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said that while he “fully respected” the commemorations, the rules governing political statements being made during football matches “need to be applied to all member associations”.

The display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited.

In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.

Let that be an end to it… until next November’s international break, when we go through the same old song and dance all over again.

Posted in England, FIFA

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1 Comment

  1. maria says:

    Whilst I agree with the sanction against the England and Scotland team for the players wearing a poppy, how can FIFA fine the Welsh FA for what members of the crowd wear?

    Any religious symbol is banned? So fans can’t wear crucifixes, kara’s or kippahs etc to an international game? What about all the players who cross themselves when they enter the pitch or score? Don’t see them getting fined.

    If “the rules need to be applied to all member associations” then do so, don’t pick and choose when it suits you.

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