FIFA is exploring disciplinary action after Argentina’s players lifted a controversial banner touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final win over England.
A number of Argentina’s jubilant squad, including two that ply their trade in England, lifted the sign following their 2-1 victory.
It triggered a fierce backlash in the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he supports calls for FIFA to open an investigation made by Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but have previously turned a blind eye to continued references to the 1982 conflict in a song sung by the players – and posted on social media by the country’s association – in the dressing room throughout the tournament.
At full-time of a fractious match players including Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero, held aloft a banner which read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, using the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.
Whether any FIFA probe would conclude – and any potential punishment be handed out – before Sunday’s final against Spain remains to be seen. Daily Mail Sport has asked FIFA for clarity.
FIFA is exploring disciplinary action after Argentina’s players lifted a controversial banner touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands after their semi-final win over England
Former Premier League stars Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi celebrate with the flag
A FIFA spokesman said: ‘As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.’
A spokesman for Starmer said: ‘The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.
‘More broadly, potential action is a matter for Fifa, but it’s been a fantastic World Cup and we’ve said throughout that politics should stay out of football.’
When asked who Starmer would be supporting, the spokesman added: ‘The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.’
Kyle branded the banner ‘an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football’ when he spoke to the BBC.
A total of 907 people died after Argentina invaded the islands in 1982 and were subsequently removed by British forces.
