Prime Minister David Cameron has asked Fifa to reconsider its decision to ban England from wearing poppies during Saturday's friendly against Spain.
On Tuesday, the world governing body rejected a second Football Association (FA) request to overturn the ban.
"It seems outrageous," said Mr Cameron. "I hope Fifa will reconsider.
"The idea that wearing a poppy to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom is a political act is absurd."
He added: "Wearing a poppy is an act of huge respect and national pride."
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After the game the FA must campaign, perhaps with the Germans, against this far too draconian and ill-thought-through policy
David Davies
Former FA chief executive
Fifa decrees that shirts should not carry political, religious or commercial messages.
"Such initiatives would open the door to similar initiatives from all over the world, jeopardising the neutrality of football," it said.
Fifa has allowed a period of silence to be held prior to the game against Spain, which takes place the day before Remembrance Sunday.
England will also wear poppies on their training kit, and on Friday they will stand for a two-minute silence.
Wales, who play Norway in Cardiff on Saturday, will observe a minute's silence before kick-off while Scotland, who face Cyprus in a friendly on Friday, will wear poppy-emblazoned training tops.
Former chief executive of the FA David Davies told BBC Radio 5 live that the policy was necessary but needed tweaking.
"Around the world, if you didn't have this rule, people would use it for political or religious or for personal slogans," he said.
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The British public feel very strongly about this issue - it is not religious or political in any way
Hugh Robertson
Minister for Sport and the Olympics
"One of the first countries screaming out in protest would be our home nations. [But] things have changed. People do respect it [the poppy].
"After the game the FA must campaign, perhaps with the Germans, against this far too draconian and ill-thought-through policy."
On Tuesday, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson wrote to Fifa seeking permission for the England and Wales teams to wear poppies.
He commented: "Wearing a poppy is a display of national pride, just like wearing your country's football shirt.
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