FIFA opens assessment after Martinez brandishes Falklands banner at World Cup semi-final

FIFA has confirmed its independent Disciplinary Committee is assessing the circumstances surrounding Argentina players holding a politically charged Falkland Islands banner after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta on 15 July 2026.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was among those who brandished the sign reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Falklands are Argentinian” — alongside former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in scenes that drew immediate international condemnation.

“As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps,” FIFA said in a statement.

Argentina had produced a dramatic comeback on the night, overturning a 1-0 deficit through Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser and Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time strike to book their place in Sunday’s final against Spain. The post-match celebrations, however, were quickly overshadowed by the banner display.

The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly responded formally on Thursday, with Chair Jack Ford writing to address the incident directly. Ford described the Assembly as “disappointed but not surprised”, noting it was not the first such episode involving the Argentine Football Association. “The Argentine Football Association was sanctioned for £20,000 by FIFA in 2014 for comparable conduct,” Ford wrote, referencing the precedent.

Ford also cited videos that had circulated showing members of the Argentina squad singing chants about the Falkland Islands in their dressing room following their group-stage match against Egypt, suggesting a pattern of behaviour rather than a spontaneous act.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added his voice to the calls for action, urging FIFA to open a formal investigation into the incident. FIFA’s statement, while stopping short of announcing disciplinary proceedings, signals that the governing body is treating the matter seriously ahead of the final.