FIFA will not take disciplinary action against Argentina after members of the squad were heard singing about the Falkland Islands following their World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt.
The defending champions celebrated their dramatic 3-2 win by singing “Muchachos” in the dressing room, with the popular anthem including references to the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as “Las Malvinas”.
The decision means Argentina will face no sanction from world football’s governing body despite FIFA’s regulations covering political messaging and expression at tournament venues.
The issue has emerged just as the possibility of a politically charged World Cup semi-final comes into focus.
If England overcome Norway in Saturday’s quarter-final and Argentina beat Switzerland, the two nations will meet in the last four.
The chants are likely to attract additional attention because they reference a long-running sovereignty dispute that remains politically sensitive in both countries.
One lyric in the song states: “I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego (Maradona), for Leo’s (Messi) final chapter.”
FIFA will not take disciplinary action against Argentina after members of the squad were heard singing about the Falkland Islands following their World Cup last-16 victory over Egypt
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Another line says: “I was born in Argentina, land of Diego and Lionel, and of the Malvinas lads whom I’ll never forget.”
In Argentina, the Falkland Islands are widely referred to as “Las Malvinas”, and the lyrics reference those who fought during the 1982 conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The Falklands War lasted from April 2 to June 14, 1982, and resulted in the deaths of 907 people.
Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
Despite the political nature of the lyrics, the Daily Mail reports that FIFA has decided not to pursue disciplinary proceedings against the Argentina squad.
The governing body has strict rules regarding political slogans, banners and messages during its competitions, but no punishment is expected over the dressing-room celebrations.
As things stand, England and Argentina are due to meet in the last four.
There’s still work for both sides to do in order for that to happen, however.
England lock horns with Norway on Saturday night having soared past Mexico at the Azteca earlier in the week.
Lionel Messi sparked Argentina’s comeback against Egypt with an assist and goal | REUTERS
The Three Lions have seen key players such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham step up, though performances haven’t always been convincing.
Norway have been impressive themselves and, with Erling Haaland in outstanding form with seven goals from just four matches so far, will fancy their chances of springing a shock.
Argentina, meanwhile, face Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning (2am).
Lionel Messi has eight goals for the tournament so far as they look to make it back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
