What a disgrace?

[josie andrews]

Poppies row: FIFA opens disciplinary cases against England and Scotland

The most likely sanction for the Home Nations is a fine, but both teams also face the possibility of a World Cup points deduction.

FIFA has opened disciplinary cases against England and Scotland after their players wore armbands with poppy emblems.

Both countries chose to defy football's governing body and pay tribute to their war dead during the World Cup qualifier on Armistice Day.

"We can confirm disciplinary proceedings have been opened on this matter," a FIFA spokesperson said.

"Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage nor speculate on any outcome or provide an estimated timeline."

Both teams face the possibility of a fine, or even a World Cup points deduction.

FIFA rules forbid players from wearing anything that could be perceived as a political statement.

The FA and Scottish FA had questioned whether wearing a poppy to commemorate those who had died in armed conflicts amounted to a political message that may cause offence.

Theresa May says FIFA poppy stance 'utterly outrageous'

Martin Glenn, FA chief executive, has already said any fines will be challenged.

"If (FIFA) fine us, we'll contest," he said. "They have much bigger problems they should be concentrating on.

"I'm confident our legal position is right and our moral position is right. Our case is absolutely rock solid."

If the governing body's disciplinary committee decides to issue a sanction, a fine is considered to be likelier than a points deduction.

Both associations would be able to go through FIFA's appeal process and a further appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although this course of action would probably cost more than the fine itself.

England won Friday's Group F match 3-0 following goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.

Wales, who took on Serbia at Cardiff City Stadium the following evening, abided by FIFA rules.

The Irish Football Association also said it would not be following England and Scotland's lead, with Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill saying: "We didn't feel it was the right thing as an association to violate the regulation."

The Royal British Legion had urged FIFA to rethink the ban, arguing that the poppy "is a symbol of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future" which has "no political, religious or commercial meaning".

http://news.sky.com/story/poppies-row-f ... d-10660867

[josie andrews]

Who are these people?

Think these idiots need reminding how they have the freedom they have today?

If it wasn't for those men, women, children & animals who gave their lives, we wouldn't have a decent life today & there probably wouldn't even be a 'Fifa'

[Wiganer Ted]

Well said Josie.

[moto748]

What do you expect from FIFA? All they know abut is lining their own pockets.

[moto748]

Good post. I think what gets up my nose the most is being lectured about moral rights and and wrongs by a (literally) criminal organisation like FIFA.