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Fifa considers political symbol sanction against Ireland for 1916 shirt tribute

Martin O’Neill’s side wore a special commemorative jersey against Switzerland in March.

Updated at 12:00

FIFA IS CONSIDERING sanctions against the Republic of Ireland for wearing a political symbol during a friendly in March, a spokesperson for the world body confirmed this morning.

Ireland’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising on their shirts has become more sensitive with England and Scotland locked in a battle with Fifa over the wearing of poppies in tribute to war dead.

A Fifa spokesperson said “The disciplinary committee of Fifa is evaluating the matter” of Ireland’s shirt.

The spokesperson added that there is no specific date for a decision.

Ireland had the years 1916-2016 and other symbols on their jerseys for the 25 March friendly against Switzerland.

When contacted by The42, the Football Association of Ireland said it was unlikely they will be commenting.

England and Scotland have used the Ireland example in their negotiations with Fifa over whether they can wear poppies on black armbands when they play each other in a World Cup qualifier on November 11, which is Armistice Day and the traditional day for Britons to pay tribute to their war dead.

Fifa has rejected the poppy saying it is a political symbol.

Fifa sources said that Ireland did not need to ask permission for a friendly but there are different rules for World Cup matches and other official tournaments.

Additional reporting by Ryan Bailey

© AFP 2016

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