Argentina displays Falklands banner after World Cup semifinal win over England
Argentina's players unfurled a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after defeating England 2-1, a move that may breach FIFA's rules on political messages.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal, completing a comeback that secured a place in the final. After the match, several Argentine players lifted a banner reading "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" – a statement that the islands are Argentine – and carried it onto the field while celebrating with fans at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier said linking the match to the 1982 Falklands War would be inappropriate, but the banner became a focal point of the team's post-match celebration. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and defender Nicolás Otamendi were seen holding the banner as the entire squad gathered behind it.
FIFA and the International Football Association Board prohibit political messaging on the field, and the display could lead to disciplinary action. The governing bodies' codes state that any political, religious or discriminatory symbols are forbidden, and violations may result in fines or other sanctions. FIFA has not yet commented on the incident, and any penalty would be decided before Argentina's final against Spain on Sunday.
In a similar case, the Argentine Football Association was fined £20,000 in 2014 after players displayed a political banner before a friendly match.