THE Football Association of Wales has announced that its players will wear black armbands during Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Serbia after FIFA refused to allow the wearing of a poppy symbol to mark Remembrance Day.

According to the FAW, a mosaic depicting the poppy will be unveiled by Wales supporters in the Family Stand prior to kick off.

Members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will also be in attendance to watch the match.

Two years ago, the Welsh squad and management visited the Langemark site, as well as Artillery Wood Cemetery, and strong links have been maintained ever since.

A statement from the FAW reads: "The Football Association of Wales and FIFA have been in regular dialogue with regards to the forthcoming Remembrance weekend.

"FIFA have turned down a request made by the FAW for the Wales National Team to wear poppies on their shirts or on armbands.

"It has therefore, been decided that Wales will wear black armbands during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Serbia on Saturday, 12 November 2016, at Cardiff City Stadium in memory of the fallen.

"On Wednesday members of the squad and the British Legion took part in creating images for a portrait of Leigh Rhoose, the Welsh international goalkeeper who was killed during the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.

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"Two hundred military personnel will be present at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday to join the management, squad and members of the media in a two- minute silence ahead of training on the 11th hour.

"A wreath will be laid on the pitch while an image of the poppy will be displayed on the stadium screens and a bugler will play the Last Post.

"Prior to kick-off on Saturday, a mosaic depicting the poppy be will unveiled by Wales supporters in the Family Stand and the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect throughout the match.

"Members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will also be in attendance to watch the match.

"Two years ago, the Welsh squad and management visited the Langemark site, as well as Artillery Wood Cemetery, and strong links have been maintained ever since.

"On Remembrance Sunday (November 13), a delegation of management and players will be visiting a War Memorial to pay their respects at 11am.

"JD Sports are also selling limited edition Wales home shirts with a poppy print and 100% of the profit from these sales will be donated to the Royal British Legion."

Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, said: “The FAW naturally wishes to respect and honour those who fought and lost their lives fighting for their country.

“As an Association we also have to respect the rules of FIFA and following long discussions with members of the FAW Council, staff, management and players, a decision has been made not to wear the poppy against Serbia.

“We felt unable to take the risk of a financial penalty or point deduction, however, as we always have done at this time of year, we will be paying our respects in other ways.”