Atlanta, July 16: Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after several of its players displayed a banner supporting the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 victory against England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final.
After sealing a dramatic comeback to reach Sunday’s final against Spain, Argentina’s players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), referring to the long-standing sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The display prompted criticism from British officials, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson backing calls for FIFA to investigate the incident, stating that Britain’s commitment to the Falkland Islands “will never waver.” FIFA has previously taken action over similar incidents. In 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined after players displayed the same message before an international friendly, with the governing body ruling it breached regulations prohibiting political statements in football.
While FIFA is expected to review the latest incident after the tournament, Argentina are not in danger of losing their place in the World Cup final. However, disciplinary measures, including fines or player suspensions, remain possible under FIFA’s regulations.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged FIFA to suspend the Argentina players involved for the final, citing UEFA’s one-match bans on Spain’s Álvaro Morata and Rodri after political chants during Euro 2024 celebrations as a precedent.
Following the semi-final, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes described the Falklands War as “a sad part of our history” and said the contest against England “wasn’t just a football match” for his country.
The politically sensitive semi-final was played under heightened security because of the historic tensions between the two nations stemming from the 1982 Falklands War. (Agencies)
