FIFA compromises over poppy outrage

Published Nov. 9, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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England players will be able to wear poppies on their black armbands on Saturday after FIFA agreed a compromise with the Football Association.

The compromise means that FIFA's rules preventing symbols on shirts are still adhered to but will allow the poppies to be displayed.

An FA statement said: "The FA can confirm that FIFA has today agreed that the England team will now be permitted to wear a poppy on the black armbands the players will wear during Saturday's match with Spain.

"While continuing to adhere to the laws of the game, wearing the poppy on the armband does ensure the poppy will be visible throughout the game.

"The FA welcomes FIFA's decision and thanks them for agreeing to this.''

The announcement should bring an end to the dispute which led to both Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William, in his role as president of the FA, writing to FIFA to ask them to reconsider.