Wales say FIFA charge due to "some supporters wearing poppies"

The FA have been charged by FIFA, so too have their counterparts from the Northern Irish FA.

Supporters held up cards to form poppy mosaics in the stands before Northern Ireland's match at home to Azerbaijan on Nov. 11 and Wales' match against Serbia the following day.

Players also wore black armbands.

Soccer's governing body said its disciplinary committee had opened proceedings against the Northern Irish and Welsh FAs "in relation to several incidents involving the display of signs."

The laws of the game, drawn up by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), state that players' kit "must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images."

The IFAB includes representatives of each of the British football associations and four representatives from FIFA.

FIFA has already opened disciplinary proceedings against England and Scotland after they wore poppies on black armbands in their Nov. 11 qualifying match at Wembley.

The Welsh FA released a statement which highlighted the four reasons they were charged by FIFA.

- 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.

Their Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford, said "Naturally as an association we are disappointed and surprised at the news. Our intention was to show respect on Armistice weekend which we feel we did in the right and proper way.

"We also adhered to the rules and regulations of the competition and the communication from FIFA prohibiting the FAW request for the players to wear the poppy symbol on the armbands or the field of play.

"We are particularly disappointed that one of the charges relates to supporters in the stands wearing poppies. Naturally as an association we will strongly contest the charges."