FIFA opens probe into Argentina's Falklands banner after World Cup semi-final win over England

FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is reviewing whether Argentina players breached the governing body’s rules on political messaging after several players waved a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian” — following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the committee is “assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.” Article 34.3 of that code explicitly prohibits the display of political messages or slogans by players before, during, or after a match.

This is not the first time Argentina have faced sanctions over the same banner. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined £20,000 by FIFA in 2014 after players displayed an identical message following a friendly win over Slovenia, with the governing body ruling it breached rules on political action and team misconduct.

The incident drew a swift response from the British government. Downing Street backed calls for an investigation, with a spokesperson stating: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.” Business Secretary Peter Kyle had earlier urged FIFA to “thoroughly” probe the behaviour of the defending champions.

Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who was seriously injured in the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad during the 1982 conflict, said the players had “cheapened” their victory. “It made me feel great sadness at the lack of professionalism, the lack of maturity of the Argentine players,” Weston told The Independent. “It also made me feel very sad for the Falkland Islanders, who have made it clear who they want to govern them.”

Political tensions between Argentina and Britain over the territory have persisted for decades, rooted in the short but bloody 1982 war. Buenos Aires has repeatedly asserted sovereignty over the islands, which lie roughly 300 miles from the Argentine mainland and around 8,000 miles from the UK. Argentina fans have also chanted songs referencing the islands throughout the tournament.

Argentina, the defending champions, will face Spain in Sunday’s final.