Christian players in Brazil’s football team have been ordered to stop making displays of their faith during matches.

Several of the national side’s players, including Real Madrid star Kaka, wore T-shirts bearing slogans such as ‘I belong to Jesus’ underneath their shirts during the Confederations Cup final last month.

But football’s governing body, FIFA, has now reminded the team that such displays on the pitch are against the rules.

FIFA wrote to the Brazilian Football Federation “to remind them of the relevant regulations, so that such incidents do not recur in the future”.

Brazil players prayed openly after their win against the USA last month and many wore Christian T-shirts in subsequent team photographs.

Their actions prompted calls from the Secretary General of the Danish Football Association for a ban on all religious statements from the game.

Jim Stjerne Hansen said: “Just as we reject political manifestations, we should also say no to religious ones. There are too many risks involved in clubs, for example, with people of different religious faiths.”

FIFA rules say: “Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal statements.”