This comes after they fined England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales for their use of the poppy to commemorate Armistice day, with it deemed to be a political symbol. England and Scotland were sanctioned for wearing black armbands with the symbol printed during their World Cup qualifier at Wembley last November. While Wales and Northern Ireland had separate fines issued for displaying it inside their stadiums.
FIFA’s ruling was met with great contempt across Britain, both inside and outside of the footballing world. Prime Minister Theresa May labelled it as “utterly outrageous”, continuing by saying “Our football players want to recognise and respect those who have given their lives for our safety and security. I think it is absolutely right that they should be able to do so.”
The International Football Association Board, guardian organisation of the sport’s laws, is expected to approve the amendment in early October which should lift the ban in time for November’s international games which will be played between 6-14 of that month – a period that incorporates Remembrance weekend.
England is also set to play Germany in a friendly at Wembley during this time where it is expected the side will wear the commemorative emblem as the German FA are believed to have no objections to the use of the poppy. This comes after the issued looked likely to be pursued in the courts at one stage. Instead, the prospect of increased fines for repeat offences were replaced by negotiations to find a solution.
However, it’s maybe not quite as black and white of a situation as people may first believe. FIFA’s current regulations forbid personal, political or religious slogans. And while the poppy clearly doesn’t fall into any of the aforementioned categories, where does it reside?
The new wording tightens the definition of what is deemed a ‘political’ symbol, prohibiting: the commemoration of any living or dead person, political parties or groups, any local or national government, discriminatory organisations, any group whose aims/actions would offend a notable amount of people and any specific political act/event. Certain ‘initiatives’ may appear on kits along with the usual name, number and team crest.
It is also believed that the fines levied against the UK associations, which include the £35,000 one issued to England, will no longer be required to be paid.
