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FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over Falklands banner
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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.
Source report
Updated: 29 July 2026, 17:38 BST By: Daniel Orme, Sports Writer
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association following the display of a Falklands-themed banner by players after their World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Incident Details
Following Argentina's 2-1 win against England in Atlanta earlier this month, several players were seen parading a flag that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — translated as "The Falklands are Argentine."
- Former Tottenham Hotspur player Giovani Lo Celso and current Spurs star Cristian Romero were among those celebrating with the banner.
- Lo Celso subsequently placed the banner on the ground in front of Argentina supporters.
FIFA's Response
FIFA launched an investigation in the immediate aftermath of the incident and has now confirmed disciplinary action. The governing body cited the following violations:
- Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature
- Team misconduct
- Discrimination and racist abuse
- Breaches of order and security at matches
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Source
Mirror - FootballWestern
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Argentina players display Falklands banner, risking FIFA sanctions