FIFA ‘has opened’ investigation into Argentina over Falklands banner | OneFootball

AS reports that FIFA has opened an investigation into Argentina after players displayed a Falklands banner following their World Cup win over England.

Argentina came from behind in Atlanta, recovering from Anthony Gordon’s 1-0 opener to reach a seventh World Cup final, where they will face Spain in New York/New Jersey.

After the final whistle, several players, including Giovanni Lo Celso and Cristian Cuti Romero, paraded a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas” on the pitch. Sovereignty over the islands remains a sensitive dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

The inquiry is to gather information and hear from those involved. FIFA rules forbid political messages, symbols or gestures during competitions, so the incident will be examined under that framework.

Two outcomes are under consideration, a financial penalty or match suspensions, with a fine viewed as the likeliest result. The AFA is due formal notification soon and a window to submit its arguments, with Lo Celso among those involved.

“We did it because we are playing for our whole nation,” said Leandro Paredes, speaking to the BBC.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo