Fifa is considering disciplinary action for Argentina’s players after they displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”.
Several members of the squad lifted the sign following their 2-1 victory against England.
The moment has caused uproar in England, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he will back Fifa opening an investigation.
Fifa’s ruling bans any political messaging at the World Cup, but has not taken any action so far against Argentina’s references to the Falkland Islands, including the squad singing a song about the conflict following their win against Switzerland.
Following the incident involving England, a Fifa spokesman said: “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.”
Whether this assessment will be concluded before Argentina play on Sunday remains unclear.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister weighed in on the matter, saying: “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.
FIFA is considering disciplinary action
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REUTERS
“More broadly, potential action is a matter for Fifa, but it’s been a fantastic World Cup, and we’ve said throughout that politics should stay out of football.”
A total of 649 Argentines died trying to take over the British territory – scars which have not healed in the political and sporting arenas ever since.
In 2013, the Falklands held a referendum in which 99.8 per cent of voters opted to remain British.
England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 were dashed after a second-half lead fell to two late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina’s side held a barrier which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ or ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentine’ | REUTERS
The Three Lions had started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when a powerful strike forced an outstanding save from Argentine keeper Emi Martinez.
But the reigning champions weathered the early pressure before starting to take control midway through the first half.
After the break, it was Anthony Gordon who opened the scoring, sending England fans wild.
But two goals in the dying moments sent the Albiceleste to their second World Cup final in a row, and third in the last four tournaments.
England were beaten 2-1 by Argentina after taking the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon | REUTERS
Despite throwing bodies forward in stoppage time, Thomas Tuchel’s defensive subs meant England were unable to find that much-needed equaliser.
The Argentines will now face an overwhelming Spain side in Sunday’s final, who have conceded just one goal all tournament.
England will play in the third-place play-off against France on Saturday night.
