Fifa has launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following the display of a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. Several players held up a sign reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” during the celebrations after the dramatic 2-1 win.
The banner refers to the long-running sovereignty dispute over the British overseas territory, which has been under UK rule since 1833 and was the subject of a 74-day conflict in 1982 that cost more than 900 lives. Fifa’s disciplinary code prohibits “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
The incident drew political reactions on both sides of the Atlantic. A spokesperson for the then UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.” Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Fifa taskforce, defended the players, citing the US belief in free speech. It is not the first such case: in 2014, Fifa fined Argentina £20,000 for a larger banner displayed before a friendly against Slovenia in La Plata.
Fifa’s full charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association also includes “discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches”.
Separately, several individuals face investigation over the chaotic scenes following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three counts of assault, defender Nahuel Molina two counts of assault and one of unsporting behaviour, assistant coach Roberto Ayala one count of assault, and unused substitute Thiago Almada one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain’s Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.
Fifa said: “In accordance with the Fifa disciplinary code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the Fifa disciplinary committee in due course.”
