The White House has dismissed suggestions that Argentina players should be banned from the World Cup final, despite an ongoing FIFA investigation into a banner displayed after their semi-final victory over England. The banner, which read “The Falklands are Argentine”, was shown by Argentina players following their 2-1 win in Atlanta, prompting calls for disciplinary action from UK politicians.
FIFA Investigation Underway
FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the incident. A spokesperson stated that the governing body is “assessing the match reports” before determining whether any sanctions will be imposed. The display came despite organisers confirming before the match that flags or banners carrying messages relating to the Falkland Islands would not be permitted inside the stadium.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged FIFA to suspend the Argentina players involved ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain, making the appeal in an open letter to world football’s governing body. However, according to Sky News, officials linked to US President Donald Trump’s administration would not support any attempt to ban Argentina players from the final at MetLife Stadium.
US Government Position
The White House has dismissed calls for action from the UK, with officials arguing the players were exercising their right to freedom of expression. Trump’s World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, is reported to have said the display was protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. However, that would not prevent FIFA from taking disciplinary action if it concludes the players breached tournament regulations.
This is not the first controversy involving Argentina and the Falkland Islands during the tournament. The team also referenced the British Overseas Territory in chants following their 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16. FIFA has previously sanctioned Argentina over similar incidents: in 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined around £20,000 after players displayed a banner relating to the Falkland Islands before an international friendly against Slovenia.
Previous FIFA Sanctions
The governing body has also acted in comparable cases involving other nations. Spain internationals Álvaro Morata and Rodri each received a one-match suspension after chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” during celebrations following their country’s Euro 2024 triumph. FIFA has yet to announce whether any disciplinary action will be taken against Argentina before Sunday’s World Cup final.
Trump Comments on England’s Tactics
President Trump also weighed in on England’s semi-final defeat, questioning the decision to use captain Harry Kane in a deeper defensive role. Speaking at a press conference alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump said he was surprised to see Kane, whom he described as a friend, spending so much time helping out in defence. “I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player,” Trump said. “They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.” Infantino laughed as Trump made the comments, shrugging his shoulders and applauding.
