FAI fined over 1916 logo

The Football Association of Ireland has been fined 15,000 Swiss Francs for the 'display of a political symbol' during their friendly win over Switzerland in March.

The Republic of Ireland wore a commemorative symbol marking the centenary of the Easter Rising against Switzerland in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium on March 25 but it was only brought to the attention of FIFA when a British politician questioned why they were allowed to use the logo while England and Scotland were banned from wearing a poppy on Armistice Day.

FIFA regulations state that commercial, political or religious messages are not allowed to be shown on kits and opened proceedings against the FAI over the use of the logo.

Following an investigation the sport's governing body has confirmed that the FAI has been fined almost €5,000 for a breach of the regulations.

"The Republic of Ireland has been fined CHF 5,000 for the display of a political symbol on the shirt during the Republic of Ireland v. Switzerland friendly match," a statement from FIFA read.

Meanwhile, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all been fined for displaying poppies during World Cup qualifiers around Armistice Day.

England have been fined 45,000 Swiss francs , Scotland and Wales 20,000 Sfr and Northern Ireland 15,000 Sfr.

“With these decisions, it is not our intention to judge or question specific commemorations as we fully respect the significance of such moments in the respective countries, each one of them with its own history and background. However, keeping in mind that the rules need to be applied in a neutral and fair manner across FIFA’s 211 member associations, the display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited. In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else,” said the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Claudio Sulser.

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