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Soccer

Theresa May is not happy with FIFA for banning the English team from wearing poppies

This time every year, the decision of some players not to wear a poppy on their Premier League je...



Theresa May is not happy with...
Soccer

Theresa May is not happy with FIFA for banning the English team from wearing poppies

This time every year, the decision of some players not to wear a poppy on their Premier League jersey tends to raise a lot of ire for football fans. 

In particular, James McClean has made his feelings known on the matter in the past, writing a letter to the chairman of his former club, Wigan, to let him know the reasons behind his choice. 

When Scotland and England meet in their World Cup qualifier on November 11th, however, neither side will be allowed to wear one, at least according to what the game's governing body has decreed.

Despite the fact that the game takes place on Armistice Day, when the United Kingdom usually remembers those who have died serving in their armed forces, FIFA's rules state that jerseys must not contain political, religious or commercial messages. 

MP Damian Collins, chair of the Commons' Culture, Media and Sport select committee, wrote to FIFA President Gianni Infantino asking for them to reconsider, while Martin Glenn will meet officials from FIFA later this week to discuss the issue. 

The firm stance has drawn plenty of criticism, and even made an appearance in the House of Commons on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Theresa May hit out at FIFA for not allowing the Scottish Football Association and the FA to mark the occasion.

Stating that it was "utterly outrageous," May added: "a clear message is going out from this House - we want our players to be able to wear those poppies. Before they start telling us what to do, they should jolly well sort their own house out."

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