FIFA is assessing whether Argentina broke its rules after players displayed a politically charged banner during celebrations following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England.
Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso were among the players pictured with the banner after Argentina came from behind to win in Atlanta and secure a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
The message read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates as: “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”
FIFA reviews match reports
Although some reports have described the process as a formal investigation, FIFA’s statement indicates that its disciplinary committee is still conducting an initial assessment.
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According to ITV News, a FIFA spokesperson said the committee was “currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances” before deciding whether further action should be taken under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
FIFA’s stadium regulations prohibit political, ideological, offensive or discriminatory banners and other material. Argentina could therefore face disciplinary action, although FIFA has not yet announced any charges or sanctions.
British government condemns display
The banner prompted an immediate response in the United Kingdom, where government ministers called on FIFA to investigate.
“The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,” a Downing Street spokesperson said, as quoted by The Guardian.
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Business Secretary Peter Kyle described the incident as an “egregious violation” of the principle that politics should remain separate from football. Prime Minister Keir Starmer subsequently backed calls for FIFA to examine whether its rules had been broken.
The Falkland Islands Government also criticised the display, calling it “particularly insensitive” and urging FIFA to impose sanctions in accordance with its regulations.
Argentina faces uncertain wait before final
The controversy comes shortly before Argentina are due to defend their world title against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.
According to Al Jazeera, FIFA has previously punished political displays involving territorial disputes. The Argentine Football Association was fined 30,000 Swiss francs in 2014 after the same slogan appeared at a warm-up match before that year’s World Cup.
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Argentina’s players had also reportedly sung a chant referring to the islands following their earlier 3-2 victory over Egypt, as reported by NDTV Sports.
A dispute stretching back decades
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, although Argentina claims sovereignty and refers to them as the Islas Malvinas.
Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982, beginning a 74-day war that ended when British forces regained control. The conflict killed 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel and three Falkland Islanders.
FIFA has not indicated when its disciplinary committee will reach a decision. For now, Argentina’s participation in the final remains unaffected.
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