Argentina could face disciplinary action from Fifa after several of their players celebrated with a banner supporting their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands following the World Cup win over England.
The defending champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-final and advance to a decider against Spain.
Following the final whistle, Argentina players including Giovani Lo Celso were pictured with a banner bearing the words “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine”.
The Atlantic archipelago is a British overseas territory but Argentina maintains a claim to the islands, situated about 300 miles off its coast, having fought a war in 1982.
655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, and three people from the islands, died in the 74-day conflict.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was previously fined £20,000 by Fifa in 2014 after Argentina’s players held up a banner with the same message.
The governing body said the actions, which followed a friendly win over Slovenia, had breached rules on political action and team misconduct. Argentina fans have chanted songs referencing the islands throughout this World Cup.
Fifa has been contacted for comment.
Government minister Peter Kyle was disappointed by the banner.
“I had left and gone to bed before the banner came onto the pitch, but I saw the images this morning, and of course, it’s entirely inappropriate,” the business secretary told Sky News.
“Politics should stay away from football. That is a very clear principle of the World Cup, but any consequences that come from that is now a decision for Fifa.”
Argentina will take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
