FIFA is investigating Argentina following a controversial political banner displayed by several players during celebrations after their World Cup semi-final victory against England.
Following the dramatic 2-1 comeback success in Atlanta, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and teammates Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi were pictured displaying a banner that said “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine). FIFA has rules preventing political, ideological or religious content in matches and could penalise the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).
The organisation could face a fine and the possibility of suspending players for their part in the protests, although a lengthy disciplinary procedure makes it highly unlikely any suspension would precede Sunday’s World Cup final.
Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes shrugged off FIFA’s interest in the banner, insisting that the matter of the Falkland Islands was emotional for their nation. “It was very important for all the country. The Malvinas will always be Argentine. Argentina’s football is of everyone. It is not just of 26 players.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed the need to keep politics out of football but stressed that he did not dispute Britain’s sovereignty over the Falklands. The squad are still expected to be available for Argentina’s World Cup final meeting with Spain, with FIFA not expected to reach a verdict in time for the climax.
