FIFA is currently reviewing match reports following Argentina’s players displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine) after their 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final.
The incident occurred in Atlanta, prompting a British government response; a British minister called for FIFA to investigate, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office echoed concerns, labeling the act an “egregious violation” of FIFA rules banning political symbols.
FIFA issued a statement on Thursday stating they are “assessing the match reports” and will consider further action based on their disciplinary procedures. The controversy reignited longstanding tensions over the Falkland Islands, which Britain regained in 1982 after a conflict with Argentina. Argentina’s President Javier Milei defended the gesture as “legitimate,” emphasizing national sentiment. Additionally, Britain’s Foreign Office has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the islands, which Argentina claims as its own.
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