FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over Falklands banner

Published Jul 29, 04:30 PM UTC

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association following a controversial incident during the World Cup. After Argentina's 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta earlier in July 2026, several Argentine players, including Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, unfurled a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine). The banner was paraded on the pitch and laid on the ground in front of fans. FIFA's statement accuses Argentina of using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination, racist abuse, and security violations. The incident has reignited tensions over the disputed Falkland Islands sovereignty, which was the subject of a 1982 war between the two nations. FIFA had launched an investigation immediately after the match and has now confirmed formal disciplinary action.