Argentina May Face FIFA Sanctions After 'Las Malvinas' Banner Celebration

Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after players displayed a politically charged banner following their 2-1 semi-final win over England in Atlanta. Lionel Messi set up both goals to seal the comeback and send the reigning champions into the final against Spain. After full-time, several Argentine players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” asserting their claim to the Falkland Islands. FIFA rules bar political statements at its tournaments. A similar banner in 2014 earned the Argentine Football Association a fine. If found in breach this time, Argentina could again face financial sanctions. The sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands dates back decades and led to war in 1982. Meanwhile, tensions flared among England and Argentina fans outside the stadium before and after the match.

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