Thursday 24 November 2016 13:58, UK
The Royal British Legion has called for FIFA to reconsider its decision to open proceedings against the Football Association of Wales and the Irish Football Association over the display of poppies.
The charges follow the World Cup Qualifiers between Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan in Belfast on Friday November 11 and Wales and Serbia in Cardiff on Saturday November 12.
The FAW has been charged in relation to several incidents including "some supporters in the stands wearing poppies".
Charles Byrne, director general of the Royal British Legion, said: "We are surprised that FIFA is taking disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Wales and the Irish Football Association. We are particularly concerned about the charge relating to supporters in the stands wearing poppies.
"It is a personal choice for players and fans to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the armed forces by wearing or displaying poppies. It is this freedom of choice - whether people choose to wear a poppy or not - which must be protected.
"We urge FIFA in the strongest terms to reconsider the disciplinary action being taken against the associations."
