Argentina face FIFA action over Falkland Islands banner after England win | OneFootball

Argentina face disciplinary action after players displayed a Falkland Islands banner following their World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta.

Tournament rules forbid political messages, yet squad members held up a sign reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, translated as ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’. FIFA said its independent disciplinary committee is assessing reports and circumstances before deciding on any next steps under the Disciplinary Code.

The Falkland Islands are a UK overseas territory, with islanders voting in 2013 to remain so. Argentinian forces invaded in April 1982 but surrendered by June.

Argentina were fined by FIFA for a similar display after a 2014 friendly with Slovenia. UEFA banned Spain players Rodri and Alvaro Morata for one match after Gibraltar chants post Euro 2024.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged suspensions for those involved in Sunday’s final against Spain.

Former England midfielder Peter Reid called the display unacceptable and joked that only a call to Donald Trump, who he said runs FIFA, would sort it.

Argentina players, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, received no sanction from CONMEBOL after singing a derogatory song about France’s black players following their 2024 Copa America win.

Coach Lionel Scaloni spoke before facing England about avoiding politics in football. His stance was not helped when vice-president Victoria Villarruel labelled England “invaders” and “usurping pirates” on X, while Business Secretary Peter Kyle called the banner entirely inappropriate.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com