FIFA Launches Probe Into Argentina Over Falklands Banner Celebration In England Win - Report

Last Updated:July 17, 2026, 01:14 IST

FIFA is reviewing Argentina's politically charged Falklands banner celebration after the World Cup semi-final win over England.

Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after players celebrated their dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England with a politically charged banner supporting the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands.

Following Wednesday’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso emerged onto the pitch carrying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (“The Malvinas are Argentine"), alongside defender Nicolas Otamendi.

The banner, which appeared to have first been displayed by Argentina supporters in the stands, was briefly folded away before Lo Celso laid it out on the pitch during the post-match celebrations.

FIFA Reviewing Incident

FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the matter before deciding whether disciplinary action is warranted.

“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," a FIFA spokesperson said.

It is routine for FIFA to wait until all official match reports have been submitted before determining whether any disciplinary proceedings should be opened. No timeline has been set for a decision.

Why Could Argentina Be Punished?

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA prohibit political messaging during matches.

According to IFAB’s Laws of the Game: “Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images."

The rules add that players or teams can be sanctioned by the competition organiser, their national association or FIFA for breaches.

Argentina has previously been punished over the same issue. In 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined around £20,000 after players displayed an identical “Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner before an international friendly against Slovenia.

Political Reaction

The Falkland Islands remain a British Overseas Territory but continue to be claimed by Argentina, where they are known as the Malvinas. The sovereignty dispute has remained sensitive since the 1982 Falklands War.

The UK government has backed calls for FIFA to investigate.

“The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are," the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said. “Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver."

Argentina President Javier Milei described the players’ actions as “understandable" and “valid", while stressing that “the things that happen on the pitch are not part of diplomacy."

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

News sports football FIFA Launches Probe Into Argentina Over Falklands Banner Celebration In England Win - Report

Read More