FIFA has opened a disciplinary review after Argentina players displayed a banner carrying the message “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) during celebrations following their 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.Players including Lisandro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero were seen holding the banner during the celebrations. FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code prohibit the display of political, ideological or offensive banners, flags and slogans during official competitions.A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the matter has been referred to the organisation’s independent Disciplinary Committee, which is reviewing the official match reports before deciding whether any disciplinary action is required under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.“As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on any potential further steps in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” In a statement, a FIFA spokesperson said as quoted by BBC.Argentina’s football association were fined £20,000 by Fifa in 2014 for holding a banner with the same message before a friendly against Slovenia. At the time, world football’s governing body said the gesture had breached rules on political action and team misconduct.
The long-running Falklands dispute
‘Las Malvinas’ is the name used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located around 300 miles (480 km) off Argentina’s east coast.The sovereignty dispute dates back to the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 and re-established control in 1832. In 1982, Argentina’s military government invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 before ending with Argentina’s surrender. Three civilians, 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentine troops were killed during the war.At this stage, FIFA has not announced any sanctions, and Argentina remain on course to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
