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FA and FIFA discuss allowing players to wear poppies in England v Scotland clash

FA of Wales also ask permission ahead of Serbia clash

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FIFA and the FA are in talks to let players display the poppies on their shirts

The Football Association and the Scottish FA are holding discussions with FIFA over allowing players to wear poppies on their shirts when England play Scotland.

Gareth Southgate's side host their neighbours at Wembley on Armistice Day in a World Cup Qualifier.

A report in The Sun on Tuesday claimed FIFA had banned the two teams from displaying poppies on their shirts during the game as political statements are not allowed.

In 2011, FIFA eventually backed down after threatening to ban the England team from wearing poppies in a friendly against Spain, allowing them to display the symbol on black armbands.

Cheikhou Kouyate in action against Everton
Image: A number of players in the Premier League wore poppies on their shirts last weekend

An FA statement read: "We are working closely with the Royal British Legion once again this year to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces.

"In recent weeks, the FA has led remembrance discussions with FIFA to allow the England team to show its support for the poppy appeal during the World Cup qualifier with Scotland."

The Scottish FA has been in touch with both their English counterparts and FIFA over the matter as well.

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A spokesperson for the SFA said: "We are also in dialogue with our colleagues at the FA and with FIFA and are optimistic of an outcome that enables both teams and their respective fans to pay appropriate respect on Armistice Day."

In 2011, following negotiations with FIFA, Scotland, who will be wearing their pink away strip at Wembley, were allowed to wear armbands emblazoned with a poppy emblem in the 2-1 away win over Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Wales have asked FIFA if they can display poppies during their World Cup Qualifier against Serbia on November 12.

The FAW want to wear it on the jersey but accept that a precedent was set in 2011 when, like England, FIFA allowed them to wear an armband with a poppy on it.

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