FIFA Under Pressure To Probe Argentina Over Falklands Banner After England Victory

FIFA is facing growing calls to investigate Argentina after members of the national team displayed a banner asserting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory over England.

Argentina came under scrutiny after players celebrated Wednesday’s 2-1 win in Atlanta by posing with a banner bearing the message, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas are Argentine”), referring to Argentina’s long-standing sovereignty claim over the British-administered Falkland Islands.

The display drew criticism from British Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who urged FIFA to take disciplinary action, arguing that political messages have no place in football. The UK government also called for an investigation, with Business Secretary Peter Kyle describing the incident as “entirely inappropriate.

“Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, political, ideological, religious or offensive messages displayed at stadiums are prohibited and may attract sanctions, including fines ranging from approximately $5,000 to $20,000.

However, according to ESPN, FIFA is not expected to reach a decision before Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.