Fifa investigates Argentina over Falklands banner vs England

NEW YORK — Fifa is investigating Argentina players for holding up a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentinian) after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat. Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martinez were seen on the pitch with the sign that appeared to come from supporters in the stands. Fifa rules prevent any displays of “banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature” at World Cup stadiums. Argentina reached the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, with a 2-1 victory steeped in bad blood. A bad-tempered first half included 19 fouls and a series of contentious incidents before Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up, only for Argentina to strike twice late on. Argentina could face a fine (Photo: Getty) A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer said disciplinary action was a matter for Fifa, adding: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver. The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.” Peter Kyle, the business secretary, had told the BBC that Argentina had committed “an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football”. Potential punishments include a fine, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for Romero, Martinez and Lo Celso to be “barred from the final”. ¡Argentina finalista del mundo! Gracias Enzo, Gracias Lautaro, Gracias Selección Argentina por darnos una alegría más! ¡No era un partido más! pic.twitter.com/JL5NoIt8Kj— Victoria Villarruel (@VickyVillarruel) July 15, 2026 More than 900 people were killed in the Falklands conflict of 1982 after Argentina invaded the islands with a majority British population. The question of the islands’ sovereignty continues to cause political tensions, Argentina claiming it inherited the islands from Spain in 1816. Britain took control of the Falklands in 1833. Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villaruel posted a military video after the game on X with the caption: “It wasn’t just another match.” The day before the game she had described England as “usurping pirates” and “invaders”. Read more England: The images that show why Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina’s Valentin Barco Kat Lucas: Lionel Messi’s majesty has been undermined by Argentina’s ‘pathetic’ antics