FIFA has fined Northern Ireland less than their home nations counterparts for a poppy display around Armistice Day – while the Republic of Ireland have also been hit in the pocket for their 1916 commemorative display earlier in the year.
The Irish Football Association have been fined £11,800 after it laid a wreath on the pitch and held a minute’s silence prior to kick-off against Azerbaijan on November 11.
England have been hit a £35,000 fine for wearing poppy armbands during their tie with Scotland, who are fined £15,700 for the same offence.
Wales have been fined £15,700 despite the fact that they did not wear poppies in their game against Serbia. FIFA’s investigation of them centred on a poppy mosaic displayed by fans during the national anthem, and that supporters in the stand had worn poppies.
The Republic of Ireland were drawn into the investigation following the November qualifiers for having worn a commemorative logo on their shirts in a friendly against Switzerland on March 25.
The logo marked the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, and FIFA announced this afternoon that the FAI would be fined €4,669 (£3,925).
“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”, said a statement from the world governing body.
“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.”
The IFA said that it was "disappointed" at the ruling.
A spokesman said: "The Irish FA will examine the full written submission when it is released and will take further legal advice before deciding on a future course of action."
The FAI said it would not be commenting on the ruling.
The SFA echoed its Northern Irish counterpart in emphasising its unhappiness with the punishment.
It said in a statement that it was "disappointed by the outcome of the FIFA disciplinary committee" and would "await the written reasons from the committee before considering the appropriate next steps".
Downing Street described FIFA's actions as "disappointing".
Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokeswoman said: "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."
Asked whether the UK's football associations should pay the fines, the spokeswoman said that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport was "looking at what happens next".
