FIFA reject FA appeal over poppy request

FIFA have decided to reject the Football Association's appeal against the banning of poppies on the England kit for Saturday's friendly fixture against Spain on Saturday afternoon.

A statement from the governing body read: "We regret to inform you that accepting such initiatives would open the door to similar initiatives from all over the world, jeopardising the neutrality of football."

It is now believed that the England players will wear black armbands during the match, while poppies will be worn on training jackets.

Sports minister Hugh Robertson also wrote to FIFA seeking permission for the players to wear poppies, but his appeal looks to have been unsuccessful.