Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina players broke rules by waving a banner in support of their country's claim to the Falkland Islands at the World Cup. The No 10 spokesperson echoed remarks made earlier by Business Secretary Peter Kyle that the governing body should “thoroughly” probe the behaviour of the defending champions after they beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s match in Atlanta.
The spokesperson said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.” The official noted that any potential action is a “matter for Fifa”, but when asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with Kyle that there should be an investigation, they replied: “I would echo that position.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Calls for Suspensions
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for the Argentina players seen holding the banner to be suspended for Sunday’s final against Spain. Article 34.3 of the tournament’s rules prohibits the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.
Argentina were fined by Fifa after holding up a banner with the same slogan after a friendly against Slovenia in 2014. The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine), referencing the disputed islands over which the UK and Argentina went to war in 1982.
Government Response and Historical Context
When asked whether Downing Street agrees with Kyle’s characterisation of the behaviour as an “egregious violation” of the rules, the spokesperson added: “Any action taken is a matter for Fifa, I’ll leave it for them. I’d point you to the business secretary’s words this morning.”
The incident has reignited tensions over the Falkland Islands, which remain a British Overseas Territory. Downing Street’s stance reinforces the UK’s position that the islands are British, despite Argentina’s long-standing claim. The banner was displayed after Argentina’s victory, drawing criticism from UK politicians and calls for Fifa to enforce its rules strictly.
