November 4 – The poppy dispute between the English and Scottish federations and FIFA has rebounded on the Republic of Ireland who have had a disciplinary case opened against them over a logo worn in March to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the so-called Easter Rising against British rule.
FIFA seemingly only took action after finding out about the incident when secretary-general Fatma Samoura refused to allow players from England and Scotland to wear poppy symbols during their World Cup qualifying tie at Wembley next Friday, Armistice Day.
FIFA’s rules forbid players from wearing anything that can be perceived as a political or religious statement but both associations say the rules don’t apply in this case since they are commemorating the war dead of conflicts since World War 1 – and that they will defy FIFA and accept any punishment.
The Easter Rising, conversely, was an Irish rebellion against British rule, which lasted five days and resulted in 485 deaths. England and Scotland used the Ireland example in their negotiations with FIFA who took no action against the Irish at the time of their friendly with Switzerland on March 25 when players wore the logo – with the words Eire 1916/Ireland 2016 – two days before official state commemorations of the 1916 uprising.
But FIFA have now changed their minds.
“We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened on this matter,” said a spokeswoman for world soccer’s governing body.
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