Argentina could face FIFA sanctions after their players displayed a banner reading "The Malvinas are Argentine" during celebrations following their World Cup semi-final victory over England on Wednesday evening. The defending champions secured a dramatic comeback win, with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, but the politically-charged banner has put them at risk of disciplinary action.
Banner Display Breaches FIFA Rules
Tottenham Hotspur duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso held the banner while celebrating with supporters, while former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi positioned it on the pitch. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA maintain a clear stance against political slogans, flags, and symbols. IFAB's rulebook states: "Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo."
"For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA," the rulebook adds. FIFA have been approached for comment.
Previous Incidents and Political Context
This is not the first time Argentina has faced such issues. In 2014, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000 after the squad displayed a similar political message prior to a match. The term 'Las Malvinas' is used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory off the coast of South America. The lead-up to the semi-final was dominated by the political context surrounding the 1982 Falklands War, when Argentina invaded the islands, leading to a 10-week conflict that resulted in 649 Argentine and 255 British servicemen deaths, along with three civilian casualties.
The fraught history between the two nations spilled over during the tournament. Following Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland, players were caught on camera celebrating and chanting about the Falklands, singing about defeating the Three Lions 'for the Falklands'. Additionally, footage circulated on social media showing a Union Jack flag being set alight on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
Match Details and Aftermath
England fell short of reaching their first World Cup final in 60 years after a dramatic collapse in the closing stages. Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the second half, but Argentina turned up the heat, scoring two goals in seven minutes through Fernandez and Martinez to dash England's hopes. The banner controversy has since overshadowed the match, with FIFA likely to investigate the incident.
