English football’s governing body were handed the fine earlier today following their decision to wear black armbands with poppies sewn into them during the match on November 16 at Wembley, where England won 3-0.
Fifa deemed the poppy to be a political symbol and therefore banned from football matches.
In a statement on their Twitter feed the FA said: “We note the decision by the Fifa disciplinary committee, which we intend to appeal.
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“As a first step, we have written to Fifa requesting the grounds for the decision.”
All associations will receive a full written verdict from Fifa's disciplinary committee in due course.
Scotland were also handed a fine of £15,700 having taken the same action during the game but their association confirmed earlier on Monday that they would “await the written reasons from the committee before considering the appropriate next steps.”
The football associations of Wales and Northern Ireland were also handed fines of £15,700 and £11,700 for their actions over the Remembrance period despite not wearing any symbols on their shirts, their punishment coming for ceremonies in the build-up to the match, whilst the Republic of Ireland were sanctioned £3,923 for their commemoration of the Easter Rising earlier in 2016.
Fifa had warned England and Scotland that they could face a fine or even a points deduction prior to the match but both sides chose to defy the governing body.
In a statement Claudio Sulser, chairman of Fifa’s disciplinary committee, said: “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.”
Prime Minister Theresa May had reacted angrily to Fifa’s initial warning of sanctions last month, deeming the action “utterly outrageous”.
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Her official spokeswoman said of the fine: “Fifa don't seem to have recognised the sentiment behind poppies - that they are not a political symbol, but are about recognising with pride the role that our brave servicemen and women play.
“We continue to believe that footballers and fans should be able very clearly to show their support for all that our armed forces do.”
The spokeswoman added that the Department of Culture, Media And Sport would examine whether the UK football associations should pay the fine, which would be used by Fifa for their “social responsibility projects”.
“Fines are issued in line with article 15 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code,” a spokesperson for world football’s governing body told Standard Sport. “Funds resulting from the said fines are used for Fifa’s social responsibility projects as well as for football development activities in general.
