Argentina face FIFA disciplinary action over Falklands banner at World Cup semi-final
The Argentine Football Association could face sanctions after players displayed a sovereignty banner during celebrations in Atlanta, echoing a precedent set in 2014.
Argentina face the prospect of a fine from Fifa after players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" during post-match celebrations following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. The gesture is considered a breach of rules on political action and team misconduct, drawing parallels to a £20,000 fine imposed on the Argentine Football Association in 2014 for a similar incident.
The match, held under increased security due to historical tensions, saw Argentina overturn a deficit to reach the final against Spain. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina equalised via Enzo Fernandez and won with a stoppage-time goal from Lautaro Martinez. Players Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were observed displaying the banner during the celebrations.
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, situated 300 miles off Argentina's east coast, and remain the subject of a sovereignty dispute. The two nations went to war over the islands from April to June 1982, a 74-day conflict that resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine servicemen, 255 British servicemen, and three islanders.
Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel posted on X, stating "it wasn't just another match" and sharing a video of what appeared to be Argentine soldiers, alongside the caption "The Falklands are Argentine." Villarruel had previously described the semi-final as "about putting the invaders in their place" and noted that while the banner was banned from the stadium, "we carry them in our blood and our hearts."
Manager Lionel Scaloni had previously stated he was "not going to mix" football and politics, emphasising that the event was a football match and not a reflection of the historical conflict. England have been seeking to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance, while Argentina, the defending world champions, will face Spain in the final on Sunday.
