Argentina faces potential FIFA repercussions after players celebrated their World Cup victory against England by displaying a banner that read: “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian,” according to talkSPORT.
Lionel Messi and his teammates snatched a dramatic win as two late goals allowed them to overcome their rivals in Atlanta.
After Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead, Enzo Fernandez scored with a long-range shot in the 85th minute, followed by Lautaro Martinez’s header in stoppage time, securing Argentina's place in the 2026 final.
However, the 2022 champions may now be in trouble with FIFA.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso entered the pitch holding the banner, which initially appeared in the stands.
FIFA has prohibited flags mentioning the Falklands due to their political implications.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and football’s governing body maintain a strict policy against political flags, slogans, and symbols being displayed.
“Equipment must not feature any political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that display political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images, or advertising beyond the manufacturer's logo,” states the IFAB rulebook.
“For any violation, the player and/or the team will face sanctions from the competition organizer, national football association, or FIFA.”
This follows Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, where some players were heard chanting: “For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona]…”
Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, heightened tensions ahead of the semi-final clash on Wednesday.
“Tomorrow we face the usurping pirates,” she stated.
“This isn’t merely another game. I refuse to be politically correct or emotionless; against the English, it signifies so much more.
“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s final shot, and it’s about standing up to the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we will claim what belongs to us!”
Violence erupted following the World Cup semi-final match in Atlanta, with police reportedly making several arrests as the rivalry between England and Argentina reignited.
In New York, fans engaged in a brawl as tensions escalated across the ocean.
A less serious incident involved Morgan Rogers being restrained after confronting Argentine players at full time, while Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina’s Valentin Barco.
