Fifa taking action over 1916 commemorative jersey

Football’s world governing body has confirmed it has begun disciplinary action against the Republic of Ireland over a 1916 commemorative jersey worn in a friendly game last March.

The development comes amid a dispute between Fifa and the English and Scottish football associations over the proposed wearing of a poppy symbol at a forthcoming World Cup qualifier between the two nations.

A Fifa spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Examiner that it has opened disciplinary proceedings over the jersey, which was worn in a friendly against Switzerland in Dublin, but declined to comment any further.

The FAI said it would not be commenting on the development.

While it is unclear what sanctions Ireland may face as a result of the proceedings, Fifa’s equipment regulations state that “on all playing equipment items used on, or brought into the pitch area, for all matches, any form of advertising... of political, religious, commercial, personal statements, images, and/or other announcements, is strictly prohibited”.

England and Scotland both look set to defy the ban for their clash next week by displaying poppies on players’ shirts during the game on Armistice Day, November 11.

Both nations’ associations argue the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect and, as such, is not political.

English MP Damian Collins this week referenced the Irish 1916 jersey when questioning why Fifa would not allow England to wear the poppy symbol on its shirts next week.

“I have asked Fifa to clarify the issue over shirts worn by the Republic of Ireland because that appears to be an absolutely classic example of leniency being shown to other countries,” Mr Collins told the BBC.

The decision to use the 1916 emblem on the jerseys caused controversy when it was announced last March. At that time, the DUP’s MLA Nelson McCausland said: “The uncritical endorsement of the Easter rebellion by the government and others in the Irish Republic, including the FAI, reinforces a republican narrative which has, down through the years, drawn young people into the IRA and other republican terrorist organisations.”