According to the FAW, the probe opened against them makes reference to "some supporters in the stands wearing the poppy", as well as a fan mosaic of the poppy during their national anthem and a member of the armed forces holding a bunch of poppies near the tunnel.

Like the other countries in the United Kingdom - England and Scotland - Wales and Northern Ireland made a request to FIFA to feature the poppy on their shirts to mark the commemorations. 

This was rejected by world football's governing body, which has rules preventing "political, religious or commercial messages on match shirts".

Both the Welsh and Northern Ireland players wore black armbands instead to honour fallen members of the armed forces in an effort to avoid punishment from football’s governing body.

England and Scotland, however, defied FIFA by wearing poppy armbands as they played each other at Wembley.

Both countries were already being investigated with their respective Football Associations said to be willing to accept "any sanction". 

Wales and Northern Ireland are now also facing disciplinary proceedings, however, for the use of the poppy in the stands.

A banner depicting the poppy is also said to be part of the investigation against Wales, with the incidents taking place during their 1-1 draw with Serbia in a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff. 

"Naturally as an association we are disappointed and surprised at the news," said Jonathan Ford, FAW chief executive.

"Our intention was to show respect on Armistice weekend which we feel we did in the right and proper way.

"We also adhered to the rules and regulations of the competition and the communication from FIFA prohibiting the FAW request for the players to wear the poppy symbol on the armbands or the field of play.

"We are particularly disappointed that one of the charges relates to supporters in the stands wearing poppies.

"Naturally as an association we will strongly contest the charges." 


Northern Ireland are being investigated for displays at their World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan.

"The Irish Football Association will robustly defend the disciplinary charges that have been levelled against it by FIFA regarding acts of remembrance at the World Cup qualifying match between Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan on November 11," the Irish FA said.

FIFA regulations state the "promotion or announcement of political or religious messages" in stadiums is "strictly prohibited".

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Ireland earlier this month following their use of a logo to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising.

During an international friendly match against Switzerland in March this year, the Republic of Ireland's players had the years 1916 and 2016 embroidered on their shirts.

The Easter Rising took place in April 1916, where a group of rebels sought to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish Republic.

A total of 15 of the rebellion leaders were later killed while around 485 people lost their lives across six days of conflict.

FIFA's stance on the poppy has been largely criticised in the UK, by figures including Prime Minister Theresa May.