Skip to content

Home nations confirm new bid to FIFA to wear poppies

England poppy armband
Image: The four nations have requested to wear a poppy for matches in November

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will ask FIFA for permission to wear a poppy during their international matches in November.

Last year, all four home nations were fined by FIFA for displaying poppies after breaching the ban on players wearing symbols which are considered to be personal, political or religious.

However, the law was changed last month, allowing the four nations to wear the poppy if the opposition team and FIFA agree to it.

In a joint statement, the football associations of the four nations said they "welcome" the law change.

Players, officials and fans observe a silence in remembrance of Armistice Day prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying m
Image: England and Scotland observe a minute's silence at Wembley in November 2016

Northern Ireland host Switzerland in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup play-offs on November 9, meanwhile Scotland play Netherlands in an international friendly on the same day, with both games live on Sky Sports.

England play Germany at Wembley and Wales face France in Paris in friendlies the following day, before Northern Ireland travel to Switzerland for the return leg on Remembrance Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 12:  Supporters holds up placards to form a giant poppy ahead of Remembrance Sunday prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier be
Image: Wales supporters formed a giant poppy by holding up placards

"It was important that clarity was brought to this issue as it affects many football matches/competitions throughout the world and is particularly helpful in relation to remembrance and poppies," the four associations said.

Also See:

"In any year when there are international matches in the week leading up to and including Remembrance Sunday, it is the intention of all four home nations to seek permission from the opposition team and FIFA to display the poppy on armbands."

Tuesday's Super 6
Tuesday's Super 6

There's £250k up for grabs in this Tuesday's Super 6. Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky