FIFA is currently evaluating match reports before determining if any sanctions should be imposed on Argentina after players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory against England with a banner advocating for their nation’s claims to the Falkland Islands.

The defending world champions executed a thrilling late comeback in Atlanta, scoring twice to defeat Thomas Tuchel’s side 2-1 and secured a place in the final against Spain this Sunday.

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After the match, Argentine players displayed a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, are a point of ongoing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina.

In a statement, a FIFA spokesperson said: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Argentina’s football association had previously been fined £20,000 by FIFA in 2014 for displaying a banner with the same message during a friendly match against Slovenia.

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At that time, FIFA stated that the action violated regulations concerning political gestures and team conduct.

Downing Street has backed calls for FIFA to conduct an investigation, with the prime minister’s official spokesperson commenting: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

Argentina’s President Javier Milei described the players’ actions as “understandable” and “valid,” according to media reports. However, he also remarked in an interview with Radio El Observador that “the things that happen on the pitch are not part of diplomacy.”

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The conflict over the Falklands dates back to 1982 when Argentina, under a military junta led by General Leopoldo Galtieri, invaded the islands, located 300 miles off Argentina’s east coast. The ensuing conflict lasted 74 days from April to June 1982, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, alongside three islanders.

More to follow.