Irish Football Associaltion Will Not Appeal It's Fine By FIFA

 

The Irish Football Association has announced it will not appeal against the fine imposed by FIFA following acts of remembrance at the Northern Ireland v Azerbaijan game on Armistice Day. The IFA was fined 15,000 Swiss francs (£11,769) by world football's governing body for displays of the poppy during the November 11 match in Belfast.

Following a board meeting on Wednesday night, the IFA expressed its severe disappointment at the fine and reprimand - but has decided against challenging the punishment. An Irish FA Board statement read: “The board of the Irish FA wishes to express its severe disappointment that the FIFA disciplinary committee issued the association with a fine and a reprimand for acts of remembrance at the Northern Ireland v Azerbaijan game on Armistice Day.  In the weeks leading up to the match on November 11, the Irish FA had discussions with FIFA to get guidance on what was permitted within the laws of the game. Having followed that guidance in the delivery of the acts of remembrance at the match, it is extremely disappointing that the FIFA disciplinary committee came to the conclusions that it did. The Irish FA cannot appeal the 15,000 CHF fine under FIFA regulations and, having discussed the options at the board meeting this evening, the association will not pursue any further legal recourse. However, the association will write to the president of FIFA to arrange an urgent meeting to seek clarity on this issue going forward.”

The news ends the prospect of the four home nations uniting to challenge FIFA, following various punishments meted out on Monday.