England players can wear poppies – on armbands

Football‘s ruling body, Fifa, had earlier said that the England team could not have the remembrance symbol embroidered on their shirts for Saturday’s gam because it could “jeopardise the neutrality of football”.

However the organisation has backtracked after top level interventions.

Prince William became involved in the controversy, writing to Fifa in his capacity as president of the Football Association to express his dismay.

His letter followed Prime Minister David Cameron in wading into the row. In parliament, the prime minister called for Fifa to reverse its “absurd” decision.

David Cameron said: “This seems outrageous. The idea that wearing a poppy to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom is a political act is absurd.

The idea that wearing a poppy to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom is a political act is absurd. David Cameron

“Wearing a poppy is an act of huge respect and national pride. I hope Fifa will reconsider.”

Mr Cameron also wrote to Sepp Blatter, president of Fifa, saying that while he understood that commercial, political or religious symbols were unacceptable, wearing a poppy was “an almost universal symbol throughout the United Kingdom”.

‘Jeopardise the neutrality of football’

The high profile interventions forced Fifa to backtrack from its earlier statements to the FA, England’s football body, that wearing the poppy would “jeopardise the neutrality of football”.

In a letter to the FA, Fifa said: “We regret to inform you that accepting such initiatives would open the door to similar initiatives from all over the world, jeopardising the neutrality of football.

“Therefore, we confirm herewith that the suggested embroidery on the match shirt cannot be authorised. There are a variety of options where the FA can continue supporting the cause of remembrance. One of them already was approved by Fifa, the period of silence.”