Argentina face a FIFA sanction for displaying a Falklands-themed flag after their World Cup semi-final win over England as disciplinary proceedings have been opened. Several players were seen parading a flag following their dramatic 2-1 victory over the Three Lions earlier this month.
The banner, which made its way onto the pitch and featured as part of the celebrations, bore the message, ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, translating to ‘The Falklands are Argentine’. Cristian Romero and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were pictured with the banner, with the latter laying it on the ground in front of the jubilant Argentina supporters in Atlanta.
FIFA launched an investigation in the immediate wake of the incident. The governing body has now confirmed it is pursuing disciplinary action over the banner display, as well as the conduct of a number of the squad’s players throughout the tournament.
In an official statement, FIFA charged Argentina with: “Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discrimination and racist abuse, as well as order and security at matches in light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in several matches.”
Among the other fixtures currently under FIFA scrutiny is the final itself. They have charged Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes with assault for their respective roles in a post-match brawl at the final. The former faces two counts, one completed and one attempted, while Boca Juniors star Paredes is confronted with three counts.
Argentina coach Roberto Ayala is also facing one count. Molina and Thiago Almada are additionally facing FIFA charges of unsporting behaviour, along with Spain midfielder Gavi. The charges follow a leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino which was circulated, in which he praised Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia for the “professionalism” his team displayed throughout the tournament.
Argentina ultimately lost the final 1-0 to Spain, with Ferran Torres’ extra time goal clinching victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side. They secured their place in the final with a contentious semi-final triumph against England.
Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions ahead, only for strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to overturn the match. Controversy persists around FIFA and Infantino, having revealed a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to foreign investors – a scheme that has encountered substantial resistance from UEFA, the FA and even UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.