Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina players broke rules by waving a banner in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands at the World Cup.
Government response
No 10 echoed remarks made earlier by Business Secretary Peter Kyle that the governing body should “thoroughly” probe the behaviour of the defending champions after they beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s match in Atlanta.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”
The official said any potential action is a “matter for Fifa”, but asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with his Cabinet minister that there should be an investigation, they replied: “I would echo that position.”
Political reactions
Asked whether Downing Street agrees with Kyle’s characterisation of the behaviour as an “egregious violation” of the rules, she added: “Any action taken is a matter for Fifa, I’ll leave it for them. I’d point you to the business secretary’s words this morning.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for the Argentina players seen holding the banner to be suspended for Sunday’s final against Spain. Article 34.3 of the tournament’s rules prohibits the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.
Previous incidents
Argentina were fined by Fifa after holding up a banner with the same slogan after a friendly against Slovenia in 2014.
