FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after several players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands.
Players including Tottenham's Cristian Romero and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez posed with a hand-written banner reading 'Las Malvinas Son Argentinas' – 'The Falkland Islands are Argentinian'. The display is alleged to be a contravention of rules against non-sporting demonstrations at FIFA events. The Falkland Islands remain a British Overseas Territory.
Other alleged offences
FIFA is also investigating allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, display of inappropriate messages by team and spectators, and throwing of objects. The charges relate to several of Argentina's World Cup matches.
Brawl after final
The governing body is also investigating the brawl that followed Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are being investigated for alleged assault on Spain's Rodri and Eric Garcia under FIFA's disciplinary code. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation, along with winger Thiago Almada, who is accused of unsporting behaviour alongside Molina and Spain's Gavi.
Condemnation
The team was widely condemned for their conduct after the final whistle, as Spain's celebrations were marred by violence including Spanish players and staff being punched and thrown to the ground.
