Wales, N Ireland to contest FIFA charges
Wales have joined Northern Ireland in vowing to contest any charges brought by FIFA over the display of poppies on Armistice weekend.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against both nations in relation to their acts of remembrance at their World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Azerbaijan respectively.
The Irish Football Association said it will "robustly defend" itself against the charges, and the Football Association of Wales has followed suit.
In a statement, FAW 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."
