Theresa May slams Fifa's 'utterly outrageous' stance on poppies

Prime Minster Theresa May has slammed Fifa for their "utterly outrageous" ban on international players wearing poppies.

England are due to host Scotland at Wembley on November 11 - Armistice Day - and there was hopes the teams would wear commemorative shirts to mark the occasion.

However Fifa have cited their own rules which state that teams must not display political, religious or commercial symbols on their shirts.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mrs May said: "I think the stance that has been taken by Fifa is utterly outrageous.

"Our football players want to recognise and respect those who have given their lives for our safety and security. I think it is absolutely right that they should be able to do so."

Although she admitted it was an issue for the English and Scottish Football Associations to arrange, there was a "clear message" from the House of Commons that "we want our players to be able to wear those poppies".

She concluded by tearing into world football's governing body - which has been plagued by corruption allegations - by saying: "Before they start telling us what to do, they jolly well ought to sort their own house out."

ITV News understands Fifa Secretary General Fatima Samoura will fly to London this afternoon to meet FA chairman Greg Clarke and others in a bid to resolve the issue.

Earlier, Mr Clarke insisted "there will be poppies at Wembley".

He said: "We're balancing respect for the fallen and their families. We're negotiating in good faith with Fifa to try and find a solution".