Fifa rejects Wales request to wear poppies against Serbia

Wales will wear black armbands instead, while fans at Cardiff City Stadium will form a poppy mosaic before kick-off.

Football's world governing body Fifa prohibits any political, religious or commercial messages on shirts.

But England and Scotland will defy Fifa's ban on players wearing poppies in their match on Friday.

Both football associations will let players wear black armbands with poppy emblems and are willing to accept any punishment.

England Under-21s wore poppies on black armbands during their win over Italy on Thursday night.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Jonathan Ford: said "The FAW naturally wishes to respect and honour those who fought and lost their lives fighting for their country.

"We felt unable to take the risk of a financial penalty or point deduction. However, as we always have done at this time of year, we will be paying our respects in other ways."

Members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will be in attendance at the match as invited guests of the FAW.

A delegation of Welsh management and players will also visit a war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

(BBC)