Argentina Faces Potential Disciplinary Action Over Controversial Banner Before Final

Argentina, having advanced to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, is facing potential disciplinary action from FIFA following a political celebration displayed immediately after their semifinal victory.

The BBC reported that "FIFA is reviewing whether to take disciplinary action against the Argentine squad for unfurling a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (known as the Malvinas in Argentina) immediately after their semifinal match against England."

Argentina secured their ticket to the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England, scoring consecutive goals in the final minutes of the match held in Atlanta, USA, yesterday.

However, the issue arose after the final whistle, when Argentine players unfurled a large banner on the pitch that read, "The Malvinas are Argentine" (Las Malvinas son Argentinas).

The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic, have been a long-standing subject of a sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina.

A FIFA spokesperson stated in a release, "The independent Disciplinary Committee is currently evaluating the match report in accordance with standard procedures, and will determine whether any follow-up actions under the FIFA Disciplinary Code are warranted, taking into account all relevant circumstances."

This is not the first time the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has faced the threat of disciplinary action over political slogans.

Ahead of the 2014 Brazil World Cup, the team held a banner with the same slogan during a friendly match against Slovenia, for which they were fined 20,000 pounds (approximately 39.92 million won) by FIFA.

At the time, FIFA determined that the act violated regulations regarding the "prohibition of political acts" and "improper conduct of teams."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.