Argentina may now be at risk of FIFA sanctions after allegedly breaching one of the governing body’s strict regulations moments after sealing a World Cup semi-final win over England to book their place in the final.
Several members of the squad marked the landmark result by displaying a banner backing Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’
‘The Falklands are Argentine’
Images showed the players posing with the message after their 2-1 victory, a move that could trigger disciplinary action because FIFA bans political statements from players during official competitions.
The banner also revived a long-running dispute between Britain and Argentina over the South Atlantic islands, which have been under British control since 1833 and were the focus of a brief but bloody war in 1982. The sovereignty issue remains deeply sensitive in both countries and has frequently spilled into sport.
FIFA’s rules also prohibit political, religious or personal messages on players’ equipment and ban banners, flags and other paraphernalia of a political, offensive or discriminatory nature inside stadiums.
British officials said the matter should be investigated by FIFA, while Argentina has long maintained its claim to the islands. The team could now face a fine or other disciplinary measures depending on how the governing body rules.
This is a breaking story, more to follow.