Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
A FIFA investigation could lead to action against Argentina after players displayed a Falkland Islands banner following Wednesday’s 2-1 World Cup semifinal win over England at Atlanta Stadium. The disciplinary review comes before Argentina face Spain in the final.
The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”. Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were among the Argentina players photographed holding it.
Earlier coverage examined why the Argentina banner could trigger FIFA action, while FIFA publishes rulings through its official disciplinary committee decisions page.
FIFA Reviews Match Reports
“As is standard procedure, Fifa's independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the Fifa disciplinary code,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
No charge or penalty has been announced. FIFA rules prohibit political banners and statements at its events, meaning the review must determine responsibility and whether the display breached the disciplinary code.
The incident drew criticism in the United Kingdom, with Downing Street supporting calls for FIFA to examine the celebration. Former England international Peter Reid called the banner “beyond the pale”.
Previous Cases Shape Possible Outcome
Argentina have previously been fined by FIFA after displaying a banner carrying the same message before a friendly against Slovenia. FIFA has not indicated what action it may take in this case.
A recent European case brought stronger punishment when UEFA banned Spain players Rodri and Álvaro Morata for one match after chants about Gibraltar following their UEFA Euro 2024 victory. That decision came from a different governing body and does not determine FIFA’s response.
The Falkland Islands remain a United Kingdom overseas territory, with residents voting overwhelmingly to retain that status in 2013. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands.
