Argentina risk FIFA sanctions after Falklands banner mars World Cup semi-final win over England

Argentina face the prospect of FIFA punishment after players brandished a politically charged Falklands banner on the pitch following their World Cup semi-final victory over England on Wednesday evening.

Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, both of Tottenham Hotspur, held a flag reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” while celebrating in front of supporters after Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez sealed a memorable comeback for the defending champions. Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi was also seen positioning the banner on the pitch.

FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) maintain a clear prohibition on political flags, slogans, and symbols being displayed during matches. IFAB’s rulebook states: “Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images,” adding that “for any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.” FIFA has been approached for comment.

This is not the first time Argentina have faced consequences for a similar gesture. In 2014, FIFA fined the federation £20,000 after the squad displayed a comparable political message ahead of a match.

‘Las Malvinas’ is the Argentine term for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located off the coast of South America. The islands were at the centre of the 1982 Falklands War, when the Argentine government attempted to seize the territory from the United Kingdom. The ten-week conflict claimed the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, as well as three civilians.

The political undertones had already surfaced before kick-off. Following Argentina’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland, players were filmed celebrating and chanting about defeating England “for the Falklands.” Separately, footage circulated on social media showing a Union Jack being set alight on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, though Lionel Scaloni’s squad declined to engage publicly with the political tensions surrounding the fixture.