Football's world governing body FIFA have declined a joint-request by the English and Scottish football associations to allow their players to wear a black armband with the image of poppy incorporated.
Football's oldest rivalry will undergo its latest installment on 11 November when Scotland visit Wembley on the nation's Armistice Day in a World Cup 2018 qualifier.
SFA chief Stewart Regan explained FIFA, which bans political, religious or commercial messages on shirts, was ‘sticking to the letter of the law'.
The FA remain optimistic FIFA will perform a u-turn on the notion that the poppy is a ‘political statement', saying in a statement: “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.
“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.”
The SFA will also seek a reversal on FIFA's ruling as the date approaches, but offered no official comment.
