Argentina could face punishment under FIFA's own rules after its players unfurled a political banner reading 'The Falklands are Argentinian' following England's 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. The banner used the controversial Argentine name 'Las Malvinas' for the British Overseas Territory.
FIFA's Disciplinary Code on Political Messages
FIFA's Disciplinary Code, covering 1964 to 2026, holds member associations liable for inappropriate supporter behaviour, including 'the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit a message that is not appropriate for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature.'
Additionally, FIFA's rules on prohibited items in stadiums during the 2026 World Cup explicitly ban 'any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature.'
England's Right to Protest
The rules also provide a clear path for England to lodge a protest. Member associations and their clubs are entitled to lodge protests in writing via the FIFA Legal Portal within 24 hours of the match's end, indicating the relevant grounds.
UK Government Response
Downing Street has backed calls for FIFA to investigate the incident. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: '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 earlier urged FIFA to 'thoroughly' probe the behaviour of the defending champions. The Prime Minister's official spokesperson said any potential action is a 'matter for FIFA' but echoed Kyle's call for an investigation.
Historical Precedent
In 2014, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000 after players held up a similar banner about the Falklands during a friendly against Slovenia. Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, which lie 300 miles off its coast, despite never having held sovereignty and losing the 1982 Falklands War to the UK.
