DHAKA: Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings over the Republic of Ireland’s use of a logo to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising.

The Republic’s players had the years 1916-2016 on their shirts during a friendly against Switzerland in March.

Fifa’s decision comes amid discussions with the English and Scottish football associations over wearing poppies for their Remembrance Day match.

The most likely punishment will be a fine, the BBC’s Richard Conway reports.

The Easter Rising was an Irish rebellion against British rule, which lasted from 24 to 29 April 1916 and resulted in 485 deaths.

England and Scotland have used the Ireland example in their negotiations with Fifa over whether they can wear poppies on black armbands when they meet in a World Cup qualifier on 11 November.

The two FAs said they will defy any ban and are willing to accept any punishment handed down by the world governing body.

Before the investigation began, Fifa had been accused of double standards over the Republic's use of the Easter Rising logo.

Damian Collins MP, chairman of the Commons’ Culture, Media and Sport select committee, called on Fifa to “clarify the issue”, adding that it appeared to be “an absolutely classic example of leniency being shown to other countries”.

BDST: 1933 HRS, NOV 4, 2016
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