Like the other countries in the United Kingdom - England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - the Welsh made a request to FIFA to feature the poppy to mark Remembrance Weekend. 

This was rejected by world football's governing body, which has rules preventing "political, religious or commercial messages on match shirts".

England and Scotland, who play each other at Wembley Stadium on Remembrance Day tomorrow, look set to defy the ban by allowing their players to take to the field wearing poppy armbands.

It means both countries risk punishment from FIFA, which is a price the FAW are not prepared to accept.

Their players will wear black armbands to honour fallen members of the armed forces instead, the same stance adopted by Northern Ireland. 

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

Jonathan Ford, the FAW chief executive, added: "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 points deduction, however, as we always have done at this time of year, we will be paying our respects in other ways."

A mosaic depicting the poppy will be unveiled by fans in the Family Stand at the Cardiff City Stadium prior to the clash with the Serbians.

Two hundred military personnel will be present at training at the Stadium tomorrow, where a two minute silence will be held at 11am.

A wreath will be laid on the pitch, and a bugler will play The Last Post while a picture of a poppy appears on big screens.

Last week, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Ireland following their use of a logo to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising.

During an international friendly match against Switzerland in March this year, the Republic of Ireland's players had the years 1916 and 2016 embroidered on their shirts.

The Easter Rising took place in April 1916, where a group of rebels sought to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish Republic.

A total of 15 of the rebellion leaders were later killed while around 485 people lost their lives across six days of conflict. 

FIFA's stance on the poppy has been largely criticised in the United Kingdom, by figures including Prime Minister Theresa May.