FIFA charges Northern Ireland, Wales for poppy displays

Gianni-Infantino;-FIFA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino. (Patrick B. Kraemer/Keystone via AP)

ZURICH — FIFA says it has opened disciplinary cases against Northern Ireland and Wales for displaying large poppy emblems across sections of their stadiums before recent World Cup qualifying matches.

It follows FIFA charging the English and Scottish federations for war remembrance displays and ceremonies at their Nov. 11 match at Wembley Stadium.

The laws of soccer prohibit religious, political or personal statements at national team matches.

Northern Ireland played Azerbaijan in Belfast on Nov. 11 and Wales hosted Serbia in Cardiff the next day. Both federations face being fined.

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