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

Argentina face potential FIFA punishment after several players, including Lisandro Martinez and Giovanni Lo Celso, held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” — “The Falkland Islands are Argentine” — following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The reigning world champions secured their place in the final with a dramatic late comeback. England had led through an Anthony Gordon goal early in the second half, but Enzo Fernandez levelled with a superb 85th-minute strike before Lautaro Martinez netted the winner deep into stoppage time.

The post-match celebrations quickly overshadowed the result on the pitch. As Argentina’s players paraded around the stadium, the Falklands banner was displayed in full view of the crowd and cameras, drawing immediate condemnation from the British government.

UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle described the act as “entirely inappropriate” and called on FIFA to act. “Politics needs to be separate from football,” Kyle told the BBC on Thursday morning. “In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football. That is now a matter for FIFA. I expect FIFA to do its investigation thoroughly.”

Kyle went further, adding: “I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.”

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic. Argentine forces invaded in 1982, triggering a 74-day conflict that left 255 British military personnel, 649 Argentine soldiers and three Falkland Islanders dead before Argentina surrendered. A 2013 referendum saw 99.8% of islanders vote to remain under British administration.

FIFA’s regulations are unambiguous on the matter. The IFAB Laws of the Game state that equipment must not carry any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images, and that any offence will result in sanctions against the player and/or the team. Argentina’s federation now faces the prospect of a fine or further disciplinary action before the final, even as the squad prepares for the chance to defend their world title.