Fifa has banned the England football team from wearing poppies in honour of Remembrance Day during their friendly against Spain, saying no team is allowed to make changes to their official kit.
War veterans have hit out at the international football association, saying the decision is "disgraceful".
George Batt, general secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, condemned the football chiefs. The 86-year-old who fought in World War Two, said he "didn't really understand it".
"I can't see any harm in wearing a poppy. You surely don't need rules and regulations in Fifa like this. It's so sad.
"I would think about 90% of the population wear them. I'm lost for words. I think it's a bit childish because, after all is said and done, if it wasn't for us blokes Fifa wouldn't be here. They wouldn't be playing football."
Fifa rules means no changes can be made to official kit and so the Football Association's request for players to wear a poppy on the eve of Remembrance Sunday was rebutted.
A spokesman for the FA said they were "proud supporters" of the armed forces.
"We are only too pleased to recognise those that have sacrificed their lives for the nation.
"The England senior team will proudly wear poppies on their training kit and all our staff and representative teams will stop to observe the Armistice Day silence."
But Fifa stuck to their guns, saying if they made a concession for one team, it would lead to other countries making similar requests to personalise their national shirts. National football bodies must abide by Fifa rules or risk being expelled.
In 2010, more than £36m was raised by the Poppy Appeal and campaigners hope to hit the £40m target this year. The appeal, which is run by the Royal British Legion, helps thousands of serving and ex-service armed forces and their families.