CARDIFF: The Football Association of Wales is to contest punishment imposed by world federation FIFA for displaying poppies during a World Cup qualifier.

The FAW was fined £15,694 after Wales’ tie against Serbia in November because fans wore poppies in the stands and members of the armed forces held bunches of poppies at the side of the pitch.

A statement said: “The Football Association of Wales can confirm that it has received written reasons from FIFA’s disciplinary committee relating to sanctions imposed during our World Cup qualifier against Serbia on 12 November, 2016.

“Following this, the FAW have now informed FIFA of our intention to appeal the decision.”

FIFA also fined England, Northern Ireland and Scotland for displaying poppies.

Match regulations prohibit political, religious or commercial messages on shirts.

The Scottish FA is also appealing against punishment for their players wearing poppies at Wembley in a qualifier against England whose Football Association has also indicated the intention to appeal against a fine of £35,311.

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