Argentina are facing disciplinary action from FIFA after several players held up a banner about the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. The incident occurred after Wednesday night's match in Atlanta, where members of the Argentina squad displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" – translated as "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian".
Breach of Tournament Regulations
The display appears to breach Article 34.3 of the tournament regulations, which prohibits players from displaying political messages or slogans before, during or after matches. The Falkland Islands are a UK overseas territory, and islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain so in a 2013 referendum. Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982 before British forces retook them, with Argentine troops surrendering two months later.
FIFA Statement and Previous Incidents
FIFA has now issued a statement on the matter, saying: "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 based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code." It is not the first time Argentina have faced scrutiny over the slogan. FIFA fined the country after players displayed a banner carrying the same message following a friendly against Slovenia in 2014.
Firm Stance on Political Messaging
The governing body has also previously taken a firm stance on political messaging at major tournaments. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Football Association was informed that England captain Harry Kane would face sporting sanctions, beginning with a yellow card, if he wore the rainbow-coloured 'OneLove' armband. Qatar criminalises homosexuality. Spain duo Rodri and Alvaro Morata were also handed one-match bans by UEFA after singing about Spain's claim to Gibraltar following their Euro 2024 triumph.
Calls for Suspension
Referring to those sanctions, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the Argentina players seen holding the Falklands banner should be suspended for Sunday's World Cup final against Spain. Former England midfielder Peter Reid also criticised the players' actions, describing the banner display as "beyond the pale". Asked on BBC Breakfast whether a fine would be sufficient punishment, Reid said: "What else can you do? I don't know. Unless they ring (United States President) Donald Trump and he sorts it out, because obviously he runs FIFA, doesn't he?"
Context of Political Interference
Earlier in the tournament, President Trump revealed he had personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to "review" a red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA's disciplinary committee – which Infantino insisted was entirely independent – later suspended the one-match ban, allowing Balogun to feature in the USA's World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium. Argentina players, including Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, have not faced sanctions from South American governing body CONMEBOL after singing a derogatory song about France's black players following their Copa America success in 2024.
Mixed Messages from Argentina
Before the semi-final against England, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said he wanted to avoid mixing politics with football. However, ahead of the match, the country's vice-president Victoria Villarruel referred to England as "invaders" and "usurping pirates" in a post on X. The banner display was also condemned by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who described Argentina's actions as "entirely inappropriate".
