Argentina face punishment from FIFA after celebrating with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final. The banner, which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falklands are Argentine'), was displayed by Argentina's players after the match in Atlanta.
Match details and controversy
In a heated encounter, England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon. However, a late second-half collapse saw Enzo Fernandez equalise before Lautaro Martinez struck to seal Argentina's 2-1 win in the second minute of injury time. Argentina will now play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, while England will face France in the third-placed play-off on Saturday.
Throughout the World Cup, Argentina's players and supporters have sung songs referencing the Falkland Islands. 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.
Player and official comments
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said before the win over England: 'We understand it's a football game that transcends, it brings back memories of what Diego did. We sing songs about our Malvinas heroes, mainly to remember them, but we have to understand that it's a football match and that the Malvinas have to be discussed elsewhere. What happened was an atrocity and we always remember the fallen, but what we want is to win this match to get to the final.'
Argentina's security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, said this week that enhanced security had been discussed ahead of the game against England. 'There will be 1,600 officers. We want the celebration to be peaceful,' she said. 'The entry of elements that have any type of provocative message, whether of political or racial content, is prohibited.'
FIFA rules and previous sanctions
FIFA rules prohibit political statements made at matches it organises. In 2014, Argentina's Football Association (AFA) was fined £19,540 after their players displayed a similar banner before a 2-0 friendly win against Slovenia in La Plata. A FIFA statement at the time confirmed the AFA had been fined 30,000 Swiss francs (£19,540) and reprimanded for breaching Article 60 of the FIFA stadium safety and security regulations ('political action') and Article 52 of the FIFA disciplinary code ('team misconduct').
