FIFA investigates Argentina's Falklands flag display after England World Cup defeat

FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee is reviewing a political flag incident involving Argentina players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England, with British politicians demanding suspensions before Sunday’s final.

Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso held a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ — ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’ — in the dressing room following the win, with Lionel Messi and other teammates visible nearby. Displaying political flags inside a stadium violates FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct.

FIFA confirmed on Thursday that its disciplinary committee is “assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.” The organisation is widely expected to issue a fine rather than player suspensions.

Argentina’s squad has made the same gesture before. Following a 2014 friendly against Slovenia, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000. Argentine president Javier Milei has publicly stated he expects a similar outcome this time.

British politicians have pushed for a harsher response. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The players who actively held, posed with, and promoted this political banner must be issued an immediate one-match ban, disqualifying them from participating in the final.”

Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French was equally forceful: “The Falklands are British. That is not up for discussion. Last night’s pathetic stunt by the Argentinian team was shameful and FIFA must throw the book at them.”

The Falkland Islands Government Office in London said it was “regrettably not surprised” by the incident, accusing the players of choosing to “tarnish the result” of the semi-final. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement in response to the display.

With the final approaching on Sunday, FIFA has not indicated a timeline for its decision, leaving open the question of whether any players could face disciplinary action before the match.