FIFA IS concerned other countries may demand to be allowed to wear emblems to mark significant national events following the decision to permit England to place poppies on their black armbands for tomorrow’s friendly against Spain at Wembley.

Although it is understood the world governing body has not previously received requests, there is a sense at Fifa that despite refusing permission for poppies to be worn on the shirts of Fabio Capello’s team, other countries may feel a precedent has been set.

Togo may feel their next appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations should be marked by an emblem on the shirts to commemorate three members of the squad who were shot dead in Angola in January 2010 at the previous tournament.

Jim Boyce, a vice-president of Fifa, said: “I’m glad a compromise has been reached (and) I’m delighted Fifa has now said to the FA that players can have black armbands with the poppy on the black armbands. Let me also say I can understand why Fifa do have this rule. Football and politics should not mix and, if you do give in to someone, it can create problems further down the line.”

Theo Walcott, Ashley Cole, Scott Parker, James Milner, Glen Johnson, Adam Johnson, Danny Welbeck, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Joleon Lescott wore boots with the poppy embroidered on them during training yesterday.

The players plan to wear them tomorrow and the English FA has contacted Fifa to ask if this will be allowed. The FA is confident there is no issue as players often fashion boots with the names of their children or loved ones.

Guardian Service