FIFA opens disciplinary case after Ireland uses political symbols at match

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FIFA opens disciplinary case after Ireland uses political symbols at match

The Associated Press Published Friday, November 4, 2016 8:58AM EDT

On Monday, the president of Nepal's soccer federation, Ganesh Thapa, was banned for 10 years. (AP / Michael Probst)

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ZURICH -- FIFA has opened a disciplinary case against Ireland over political symbolism at a match more than seven months ago.

After England and Scotland threatened to defy FIFA at a World Cup qualifying match, the world soccer body has acted against Ireland's commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising at a March 25 friendly against Switzerland in Dublin.

FIFA says "disciplinary proceedings have been opened on this matter. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage nor speculate on any outcome."

FIFA's disciplinary panel could fine the Irish federation for breaking a rule prohibiting political and religious statements at national team matches.

Ireland players' shirts had a special badge for the March match.

England and Scotland want players to wear armbands with poppies on Nov. 11.