FIFA is assessing Argentina's conduct after players displayed a banner about the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England. The incident occurred in Atlanta on Wednesday. The governing body will decide on potential further steps under its disciplinary code.
Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and advance to Sunday's final against Spain. Several players, including Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” during post-match celebrations.
The display breached FIFA rules on political messaging. FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee is reviewing match reports and related circumstances before determining any sanctions against the Argentine Football Association.
The UK government and Falkland Islands authorities condemned the action. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that Britain's commitment to the Falklands will never waver, while the islands' government called the banner insensitive and urged FIFA to keep politics out of sport.
This is not the first such incident. Argentina faced a £20,000 fine in 2014 after a similar banner appeared before a warm-up match.
