THE Football Association of Wales has announced it will "strongly contest" FIFA charges over the display of poppy symbols during recent internationals.

FIFA launched disciplinary proceedings aganst the FAW this morning after Welsh players wore black armbands against Serbia on November 12.

The FAW also organised for wreaths to be laid at the side of the pitch before the match and a poppy mosaic display in the crowd.

Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland all now face the possibility of a fine, while even a World Cup qualifying points deduction is possible.

The FAW says incidents, as detailed in the communication from FIFA, under investigation include:

  • Some supporters in the stands wearing the poppy
  • A member of the armed forces was holding a bunch of poppies at the exit of the tunnel 
  • A fans mosaic depicting the poppy was displayed during the anthem of Wales
  • A banner depicting the poppy was also displayed by the supporters of wales before the 
match started 


An FAW statement reads: "In response to the communication from FIFA, the FAW confirmed that on Armistice weekend the FAW paid its respects to those individuals who had made the ultimate sacrifice in a dignified and humble way while at the same time respecting the rules and regulations of world football’s governing body FIFA." 


South Wales Argus:

Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the FAW, said: 
“Naturally as an association we are disappointed and surprised at the news.

"Our intention was to show respect on Armistice weekend which we feel we did in the right and proper way. 


“We also adhered to the rules and regulations of the competition and the communication from FIFA prohibiting the FAW request for the players to wear the poppy symbol on the armbands or the field of play. 


“We are particularly disappointed that one of the charges relates to supporters in the stands wearing poppies. Naturally as an association we will strongly contest the charges.” 


The new regime at FIFA, which is led by president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Fatma Samoura, is determined to enforce the letter of the law when it comes to keeping what it sees as external distractions and potentially inflammatory messages out of the game.

The case will be submitted to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for evaluation on December 9.

The FAW has until November 29 to provide a statement and relevant evidence.