- FIFA still implementing ban on players wearing poppy on shirts
- Veterans have called for English and Scottish FAs to fight the block
- Poppies are barred because FIFA views them as a 'political statement'
- Players were allowed to wear them on black armbands five years ago
Fans and veterans are furious over FIFA's refusal to allow England and Scotland players to wear poppies on their shirts during a World Cup qualifier at Wembley next week.
The two teams are due to meet at Wembley on Armistice Day itself - November 11 - but have been told they cannot have the famous symbol displayed on their shirts because it is a 'political statement'.
It is understood the world football governing body has not changed its position meaning the players will not be able to display the tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for Britain.
FIFA has upheld a ban on England and Scotland players wearing poppies on their shirts in their Wembley clash on November 11. Five years ago England players were only allowed to wear the poppy on black armbands
The ban caused a row when England last played near to Remembrance Sunday in November 2011 where Phil Jones, pictured, and teammates could wear poppies on outer jackets
FIFA imposed a similar ban five years ago but eventually allowed England to wear poppies on black armbands in 2011 during the last international match to fall close to Remembrance Sunday.
The decision has been widely criticised by current and former servicemen and women who have also hit out at the English and Scottish FA for not standing up to FIFA.
Falklands veteran Simon Weston, who suffered severe burns during a bombing raid in the conflict, told The Sun both FAs should 'stand up and be counted'.
He said: 'Who are FIFA? A bunch of people who make a hell of a lot of money and turn round and treat people like cattle. How dare they?'
Former RAF prisoner of war John Nichol told the paper: 'I call on FIFA to allow the English and Scottish players to wear their poppy with pride on their shirts. This symbol of the courage and sacrifice of our heroes cannot and should not be shunned.'
There was anger from fans on Twitter this morning as news of the row emerged
It is understood the FA is already in talks with FIFA over commemorations for the day, aiming to stage a rendition of the Last Post along with a two-minute silence.
Bosses are believed to have lined up a trip to a war memorial for the squad picked by Gareth Southgate while poppy sellers will also be in the stands, with the occasion seen as a chance for both sets of fans to come together in unity.
An FA spokesman told The Sun it was 'working closely' with the Royal British Legion to honour former and current members of the Armed Forces.
The RBL said it saw 'no reason' why the poppy should be banned.
All teams in the Premier League are allowed to wear poppies on their shirts for matches around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
The game was seen as an opportunity for fans of both England (pictured) and Scotland to come together in unity to show support for the Armed Forces
Falklands veteran Simon Weston, pictured, who was badly burned in the conflict, has called for both FAs to stand up to FIFA over the ban
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