Key facts
- FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association.
- The action follows the display of a Falklands-themed banner after Argentina's World Cup semi-final win against England.
- The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," asserting Argentine claims to the Falkland Islands.
- FIFA cited non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discrimination/racist abuse as reasons for the proceedings.
- The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory, subject to a sovereignty dispute with Argentina.
- This is not the first time FIFA has taken action against the AFA for a similar banner, with a fine issued in 2014.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) after players displayed a banner asserting Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. The banner, which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine), was paraded by players including Giovani Lo Celso, Lisandro Martínez, Cristiano Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi after their 2-1 win.
FIFA's rules prohibit "demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discrimination and racist abuse." The governing body has confirmed it is taking action based on these breaches. The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, are the subject of a long-standing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina, which led to a conflict in 1982.
This is not the first time the AFA has faced FIFA action for a similar display; the association was fined £20,000 in 2014 for players holding a banner with the same message before a friendly match. UK officials have backed calls for FIFA to investigate, with the Prime Minister's spokesperson stating the Falkland Islands "definitely are" British and that their commitment will never waver. UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle described the banner as an "egregious violation" of rules against political activity in football.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for the Argentina players involved to be suspended for the final, citing precedents from UEFA and FIFA regarding political messages. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes defended the players' actions, stating the match was more than just football for his nation. Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel also voiced support for the players, posting that the islands are "in our blood and our hearts."