The Ulster Unionist Party’s Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, has described FIFA’s decision to open disciplinary proceedings and investigate the Northern Irish and Welsh Football Associations’ display of Poppy Symbols during recent international matches on Armistice Day, as shameful.
Mr Elliott said:
“The decision by FIFA to open an investigation into the display of remembrance by the Irish FA and Welsh FA demonstrates a huge degree of insensitivity and just how out of touch they are with reality.
“The display of the Poppy is a non-political and non-religious symbol of remembrance. Remembrance in the United Kingdom commemorates the dead of two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It is a truly National event and FIFA’s actions are nothing less than shameful.
“FIFA should remember that if it wasn`t for the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives – particularly in World War Two – many of the countries that are members of FIFA wouldn`t even exist.
“Given FIFA’s recent track record of scandal, one wonders just how they feel they can sit in judgement of anyone, especially on an issue such as this. It is little wonder that many football fans, including myself, have little faith in football’s world governing body.
“I am very glad to see that the IFA has come out and said it is going to ‘robustly defend' any disciplinary charges against them. In this they have my full support.”