England to defy FIFA over poppy ban – FA

London (AFP) – England’s players will wear black armbands bearing the red poppy when they face Scotland in a World Cup qualifier on Armstice Day, despite the threat of sanctions from FIFA.

The English and Scottish football associations had been negotiating with the world governing body, which bans political, commercial and religious symbols on team outfits during matches.

“We do not believe it represents a political, religious or commercial message,” the English Football Association said in a statement on Wednesday.

England will play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on November 11, the day when Britain traditionally remembers its war dead.

Many Britons wear red poppies as a tribute to those who have died in conflicts which have involved the country.