FIFA to investigate Argentina over ‘Malvinas’ flag in World Cup celebrations | OneFootball

FIFA is considering whether to take disciplinary action against Argentina after some of their players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England with a flag carrying a political message about the Falkland Islands, The Standard reports.

The reigning champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 late in the game, booking their place in the World Cup final where they will face Spain.

However, their post-match celebrations caught the eye, and they could be punished for it.

Several Argentina players were seen posing with a flag reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentinian.” 

The Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, are the subject of a long-running sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United centre-backs Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez were among players pictured with the flag.

Fans and players also sang songs linked to the Falklands conflict, while similar content appeared on the Argentina national team’s social media accounts.

The incident has attracted attention because FIFA’s tournament rules prohibit political messages and demonstrations during the World Cup. 

As a result, football’s governing body has confirmed that it is reviewing what happened before deciding whether any disciplinary measures are necessary.

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation’s independent Disciplinary Committee is examining the official match reports and all relevant circumstances before determining if further action should be taken under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

For now, no decision has been made on whether Argentina or any individual players will be punished. 

If FIFA concludes that its rules were breached, possible sanctions could include financial penalties, with reports suggesting fines of up to $20,000. 

Player suspensions are also understood to be among the options available, although any outcome will depend on the findings of the investigation.

The UK government has since responded to the incident. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. 

“Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.

“More broadly, potential action is a matter for Fifa, but it’s been a fantastic World Cup, and we’ve said throughout that politics should stay out of football.”