Homophobic chanting and wearing a poppy are offences on an equal footing according to the mixed up world of FIFA.
FIFA, world football’s governing body has fined the Welsh Football Association (FAW) 20,000 Sfr – £15,694 for their remembrance day tributes at the World Cup Qualifier match between Wales and Serbia in Cardiff on November 12.
The fine says FIFA is “in relation to several incidents, including the display of political symbols in the context of the Wales v. Serbia”
The Armistice weekend FAW tributes “paid respects to those individuals who had made the ultimate sacrifice in a dignified and humble way while at the same time respecting the rules and regulations of world football’s governing body FIFA. ” FAW said at the time.
They included:
- Some supporters in the stands wearing the poppy
- A member of the armed forces was holding a bunch of poppies at the exit of the tunnel .
- A fans mosaic depicting the poppy was displayed during the anthem of Wales.
- A banner depicting the poppy was also displayed by the supporters of wales before the match started.
In their latest FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendlies disciplinary update, football’s world governing body also dished out fines to Mexico of £15,694 and Venezuela of £15,694, the same amount they fined Wales, due to homophobic chants from their fans ?
Also fined were England £35,311, Scotland £15,694 and Northern Ireland £11,770 for similar poppy related ‘offences’.
FIFA Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Claudio Sulser said;
“The Disciplinary Committee has taken these decisions after analysing all of the specific circumstances of each case. “With these decisions, it is not our intention to judge or question specific commemorations as we fully respect the significance of such moments in the respective countries, each one of them with its own history and background.
However, keeping in mind that the rules need to be applied in a neutral and fair manner across FIFA’s 211 member associations, the display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited.
In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.”
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Sport, commenting on the announcement from FIFA, said:
“Fining the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Football Associations a combined £75,000 for remembering those who have died in war is utterly disrespectful.
“FIFA have been embroiled in a corruption scandal, which has seen tens of millions of pounds in bribes paid out under their watch.
“Rather than fining UK teams for wearing poppies FIFA should be concentrating on getting their own house in order.”
The FAW are yet to respond.
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