FIFA and poppies

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I don't need to check my history books DD - I was commenting on the topic of the wearing of the poppy, not what other countries do.

As far as I can recall, I haven't seen other countries try to wear any emblem they associate with remembrance on their national football shirt when playing international matches.

One of the points I was making is that the poppy is worn voluntarily by those of us who wish to remember our fallen in all conflicts since 1914. (not just in World Wars by the way).

It's a matter for the UK (and Canada etc) and I don't think it belongs in a international competition involving some of the countries we may have had those conflicts with!

As I said, I think football is a sport and should be kept away from politics.

Cheers

Bugs

 

Today I heard on the news that FIFA had  banned the wearing of Poppies in the England V Scotland game and thought "what a cheek" based mainly on their record of dubious standards and hypocrisy.

This evening I saw an article by Martin Samuel who is one of FIFAs biggest critics, indeed he was one of the first journalists to raise the issues that we all now know about. Below, in bold italics,is part of what he said;

Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine commemorates its war dead, including 14 men who are regarded as Class A war criminals. What if Japan wished to mark this at a football match in some way? 

For this reason, FIFA does not do war. In 2013, Josip Simunic of Croatia was banned for 10 matches for leading a crowd in Zagreb in a chant that was a relic of Second World War nationalism, when Croatia was governed by allies of the Nazis. He missed the World Cup, but the message was clear. 

FIFA cannot pick sides in every military event through history, so wisely keeps its counsel. For the greater good, all nations should respect this and do the same.

Its easy to dismis the modern press but sometimes it still makes you think.

The latest on the issue:-

Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn said both FAs will defy the ban and accept any punishment

Glenn told BBC Sport that players from both sides would wear black armbands carrying the poppy symbol, traditionally used to remember those who died during World War One.

The SFA later confirmed it "intends to pay appropriate tribute by having the Scotland national team wear black armbands bearing poppies".

Well done to the SFA and the FA. . .Wearing a poppy is something that we do to honour those who died in defence of their country.

If fifa doesnt like it -----Tough !!. 

Cheers.  K

 

 

Excellent news. lets all wear our poppies with pride whilst remembering our forefathers who sacrificed their lives so that these mostly corrupt governing bodies could have the freedom of speech and action that they so often misuse

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Well done to both associations for standing up to the arrogant and self-important bullies who seem to populate the higher ranks of the FIFA hierarchy. Let them penalise/fine the associations if they want. Right will always be the right thing to do! 

The FA has issued the following statement:

"We fully respect the laws of the game and take our founding role on the International Football Association Board extremely seriously. The poppy is an important symbol of remembrance and we do not believe it represents a political, religious or commercial message, nor does it relate to any one historical event.

"In keeping with the position agreed with FIFA back in 2011 and in what we believe is in accordance with law 4, para 4, The FA intends to pay appropriate tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by having the England team wear black armbands bearing poppies in our fixture on Armistice Day."

Well done the FA for taking this Stance.