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FIFA faces calls to investigate Argentina after players displayed a Falklands sovereignty banner following their semifinal win over England.
Argentina’s national team has come under review after players celebrated their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England with a banner asserting the country’s claim over the disputed Falkland Islands.
During post-match celebrations in Atlanta on Wednesday, several players posed with a banner reading, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas are Argentine”), a reference to Argentina’s long-standing sovereignty claim over the British-administered islands.
The display prompted criticism from British Falklands War veteran; Simon Weston, who urged FIFA to take action, arguing that political messages have no place in football. The British government also called for an investigation, with Business Secretary, Peter Kyle describing the incident as “entirely inappropriate.”
Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, political, ideological, religious or offensive messages displayed at stadiums are prohibited, with sanctions ranging from fines of approximately $5,000 to $20,000.
However, sources told ESPN that FIFA is unlikely to reach a decision before Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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