FIFA make decision on banning Argentina players for World Cup final over Falklands banner

Argentina players who celebrated with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after their win over England are unlikely to face bans ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.

The defending world champions trailed in Wednesday’s semi-final clash after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener but struck twice late on through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to seal a famous win over their old rivals.

After their victory, the Argentina squad and staff wildly celebrated on the pitch with a number of players posing with a banner which read, ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates as, ‘The Falklands are Argentine’.

Players including Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were among the players pictured holding the banner.

The banner refers to the 74-day war in 1982 when Argentina and the UK fought over the Falkland Islands, which cost the lives of 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentinian personnel.

The government has backed calls for FIFA to investigate with Downing Street adding: ‘The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.’

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey today called for players involved in the incident with the banner to be suspended for Sunday’s final against Spain.

In an open letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Davey pointed to UEFA’s decision to ban Spain players Alvaro Morata and team-mate Rodri for one game after they chanted ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ during their side’s Euro 2024 victory celebrations – also coming at England’s expense.

Article 34.3 of the World Cup rules prohibits the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.

Argentina were fined by FIFA after holding up a banner with the same slogan after a friendly against Slovenia in 2014.

Reports in Spain claim FIFA will open an investigation with a Disciplinary Committee to determine what punishment Argentina will face, which could range from fines to suspensions. But any punishment will not be enforced until after the World Cup, leaving those involved free to participate in Sunday’s final against Spain.

Spanish radio station COPE reports an investigation will be launched with FIFA regulations on the matter set to be enforced. While those involved will be punished, they will not be barred from competing in the final against Spain on Sunday in New Jersey with sanctions not set to be imposed until after the competition.

Argentine outlet Clarin also reports sporting suspensions are ‘less likely’ and are generally reserved for cases considered especially serious.

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