MID WORCESTERSHIRE MP Nigel Huddleston has launched a scathing attack on FIFA over their ban on England and Scotland players wearing a poppy when the teams meet on Armistice Day.
Football’s world governing body has come under fire in recent days for the ban as football chiefs say political, religious or commercial messages on shirts are prohibited.
The English and Scottish Football Associations have since announced they will defy the ban and players will wear black armbands with poppies on when they take to the pitch at Wembley next Friday (November 11) for their crucial World Cup qualifier.
Mr Huddleston told the Standard he hoped FIFA ‘would come to their senses’ and lift the ban, before attacking the organisation for creating new problems when they still had credibility issues to sort out.
“FIFA rules do state players are not allowed to display emblems for political, religious or commercial purposes, but I don’t believe the poppies fit into any of these categories,” Mr Huddleston said.
“If the players wish to remember the sacrifices of those serving in our armed forces by wearing a poppy then I don’t see what the issue is.
“Furthermore, this gesture has the support of football supporters, the FA and the British public at large.
“I hope FIFA will come to its senses as it has a great deal of credibility to regain and should probably focus on its own issues rather than making up new ones,” he added.
