Coming to his senses: Valcke (left) altered his stance

'I spoke to Jerome yesterday afternoon. He thought it was a good common sense solution to the problem and I'm very pleased FIFA reacted in this way. It's a sensible compromise.'

FIFA were suggesting at the start of the day that Heaton-Harris's idea was gaining favour within the organisation and it was expected to get the go-ahead.

Then came another shift in the saga, with Valcke said to have turned down the proposal again, wanting to show no sign of bending to the considerable political and public pressure.

An hour later, the situation had moved on again with Valcke, who had led the FIFA stance throughout the affair - president Sepp Blatter kept completely out of it - coming to his senses at last.

Shortly before the announcement came news that Prince William - president of the FA - had written to FIFA as well.

The poppies on armbands will add to the numerous ways the FA are recognising the emotive occasion. These include a one-minute silence before the match, poppies on the tracksuit for the national anthems, poppies on the advertising boards and a wreath laid on the pitch.

Scotland hope to adopt the same approach to their game against Cyprus in Larnaca tomorrow night as will Wales, who play Norway in Cardiff on Saturday.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: 'Subject to the approval of the Cypriot FA, we believe this is a fitting way to show our respect for those members of the armed forces who have lost their lives fighting for their country.'

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