FIFA has charged Argentina over a banner displayed by its players following the country’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England, saying the incident may have breached rules prohibiting political demonstrations during sporting events.
The banner, held aloft by several players after the match in Atlanta, read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), referring to the British Overseas Territory claimed by Argentina.
Following the incident, members of the British government called on FIFA to investigate the matter.
Among the players photographed with the banner were Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, and former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso—all of whom have played in English football.
World football’s governing body said the display could violate provisions of its disciplinary code prohibiting the use of football matches for demonstrations unrelated to sport.
“In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course,” the organisation said.
Argentine President Javier Milei subsequently praised the national team and reiterated that Argentina would continue pursuing sovereignty over the islands through diplomatic means.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands—known in Argentina as the Malvinas—has remained a recurring source of tension since the 1982 Falklands War. Argentine politicians had already raised the issue during the build-up to the World Cup semi-final against England.
FIFA has previously sanctioned Argentina over similar incidents. In 2014, the federation fined the Argentine Football Association after players displayed a banner asserting Argentina’s claim to the Falklands before a friendly match against Slovenia.
