FIFA agrees to poppy compromise

England players will be able to wear poppies on their black armbands on Saturday after FIFA agreed a compromise with the Football Association.

The compromise means that FIFA's rules preventing symbols on shirts are still adhered to but will allow the poppies to be displayed.

An FA statement said: "The FA can confirm that FIFA has today (Wednesday) agreed that the England team will now be permitted to wear a poppy on the black armbands the players will wear during Saturday's match with Spain."

It added: "While continuing to adhere to the laws of the game, wearing the poppy on the armband does ensure the poppy will be visible throughout the game. The FA welcomes FIFA's decision and thanks them for agreeing to this."

The announcement should bring an end to the dispute which led to both Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William, in his role as president of the FA, writing to FIFA to ask them to reconsider.

William penned a strongly worded note privately to Fifa expressing his dismay at the move. Cameron also wrote to the organisation, assuring it that there were "no political connotations whatsoever" associated with the poppies.

Less than an hour after the letters were made public, Fifa announced that it would allow England's players to wear a poppy on their black armbands during Saturday's friendly match with Spain.

A spokesman for St James's Palace said William was pleased with the decision, saying: "The Duke is happy with this resolution."

A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Cameron welcomed Fifa's decision, saying: "It's a sensible way forward."

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: "The Royal British Legion is delighted that England players will be able to wear their poppy with pride. As we said earlier today, there are other ways of honouring the poppy than wearing it on your shirt - the armband will do nicely. Now everyone can concentrate on enjoying the game."