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FIFA backs down on poopy ban

The world football governing body, FIFA, has relaxed on its stance to ban the wearing of poppies by players during International matches.

This comes as FIFA’s stance on interpretation of its laws against the use of all personal, religious, ethnic and political inscriptions and symbols raised eyebrows all over, with Britain’s PM describing it as “utterly outrageous” in parliament.

Earlier in November last year, England, Wales, North Ireland and Scotland were fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings against commemorating Armistice Day during the World Cup match qualifiers.

FIFA, while giving fresh guidelines to law four, the section that deals with what players can wear in a game said in a document released that certain initiatives may appear on players’ kit along with the name, number and logo.

The document which does not clearly state what the “initiative” might be but states that they must not breech law 12, which relates to foul play and abusive languages which restates the criteria of law four ruling out wearing “personal, religious slogans and images”.

However, it leaves out “political” which FIFA admits is “less clear”, although it clearly rules out slogan and symbols of government and political parties.

They further added that “When commemorating a significant National or International event, the sensibilities of the opposing teams (including its supporters) and the general public should be considered.”

This implies that, National teams can wear poppies to commemorate an event but should seek permission from the opponents’ and also inform the match organisers.

Prior to this declaration, English FA planned on going to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to contest the £35,000 fine levied against them.

FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samoura, had earlier written to say that no exceptions would be made to the law as “Britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war”. This was further restated by Claudio Sulser of the disciplinary panel that “In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.”

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