LABOUR MP Clive Efford told the Football Association yesterday to ignore Fifa and wear the poppy next week in the World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

The wearing of the poppy is seen as a “political, religious or commercial message” by Fifa, though England was allowed to have them printed on black armbands during a match against Spain in 2011.

However, football’s world governing body has once again decided to prevent England and Scotland from wearing them on Friday as well as Wales 24 hours later.

Efford believes that Fifa cannot stop the three nations from wearing a poppy next and that they should be able to do what they want.

He said: “The poppy is not a political symbol it is a symbol of peace. The FA should ignore Fifa and go ahead and wear the poppy. What can Fifa say?”

Scottish Labour’s Westminster spokesman Ian Murray MP submitted an early day motion yesterday for a debate on the matter in the House of Commons.

Murray said: “Fifa must allow the national teams of both England and Scotland to commemorate those [who] gave the ultimate sacrifice by wearing the poppy in the World Cup qualifying match on Armistice Day.

“The poppy is a worldwide symbol of solidarity, peace and remembrance.

“This year, commemorations are additionally poignant as it is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, when so many on all sides fell.”

Fifa told England, Scotland and Wales on Monday night their stance ahead of next week’s fixtures and despite talks yesterday, Scottish FA chief Stewart Regan said that Fifa are “sticking to the letter of the law.”

Further talks are planned today between Regan, FA chief executive Martin Glenn and Fifa to try and hash out a solution.

“We will be asking for their support to try to give the people of England and Scotland what they want,” said Regan.

“That is to use this match of a way of remembering people who lost their lives in the war.

“I can understand why they are doing this but it is nothing more than a mark of respect. It is a personal choice. This is not about making some political point.”

A spokesman for the English FA said: “We are working closely with the Royal British Legion once again this year to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces.

“In recent weeks, the FA has led remembrance discussions with Fifa to allow the England team to show its support for the poppy appeal during the World Cup qualifier with Scotland.”

Fifa are yet to indicate whether there would be a punishment should the teams go ahead and wear poppies next week.