FIFA, The FA and the Poppy Debate.

So with the Premiership on International break for this week I was wondering exactly what I could write about this week. Then, as I was listening to the radio I was struck with a subject, the controversy between FIFA and England's FA and whether a poppy should be worn for this Saturdays friendly, against Spain.
First we should start with the history of the poppy and it was chosen as a symbol and inspired the World War 1 poem 'In Flanders Field' and refers to the numerous poppies that grew on the soldiers graves in Flanders. At a conference in 1920 at the National American Legion made it their official symbol and an attendee, Anna Guerin, was inspired to introduce it in her homeland, France. The next year they were being sold in London and that's where it began for us.



For FIFA's part it would be against their rules for England to wear the poppies on their shirt for an International game, although obviously the FA allows the domestic sides to wear them as we have seen this week. FIFA's regulations state that a players kit should not carry 'any political, religious or commercial messages' covers the issue from their part.

I am not against England wearing poppies on their shirt to show respect but you do have to wonder why the
FA have waited so long to make this the issue. I mean last year they played France around the same time yet I cannot remember any issues, Brazil the year before and no request. 2008 we played Germany a week after the Remembrance Sunday, Austria the year before and yet this is the first time we are having this debate. Home to Argentina on the 12th November 2005 would have been a feisty debate had we had it. It amazes me that an Association is challenging the Worlds Governing body and may even defy them when only a couple of weeks ago Mario Balotelli got booked for lifting his shirt and revealing a message. It wasn't political nor religious, although it did get some one some money from the look of the City crowd at the next game!

Also think of the types of rouges that would be wearing the poppies if FIFA caved and the FA got their way. I know John Terry has since been informed that he would not be taking the field against Spain but still, with the baggage he brings is it really respectful of the fallen that he wear it?

FIFA have said that a minutes silence would be witnessed before the game which I think is great if the FA and the England players really wanted to pay tribute to the fallen and wounded then maybe they should donate their appearance fees for the game to the Poppy Appeal. Shouldn't we be more concerned with making sure St Georges Day can be celebrated in our own Country the same or more than St Patricks Day?

If FIFA does bend and allow England to wear the Poppy, what next? We already have seen last year with the game against Celtic and Aberdeen when both teams wore Poppies that it brought demonstrations and I am sure the same could happen on Saturday. What would happen if another Country wanted to wear something on their shirt while playing England? Would we defend their right?

Certainly causing a scene with between FIFA and the FA will certainly not help with the Wayne Rooney appeal that's pending, which is another ridiculous line the FA are pursuing. Unless of course the FA were determined to make such a noise about the Poppy issue that then they would have a bargaining chip when it came to Rooneys appeal? Stranger things have happened.

I am all for respecting the heroes that fought in the Wars on my behalf. I have bought a Poppy and made a donation. My question would be, is this the right debate to be having?

Written By: PA Cityboy (www.facebook.com/pacityboy)