Argentina under FIFA investigation ahead of World Cup final

FIFA has launched an investigation into Argentina's players over a political banner unfurled during celebrations following their dramatic World Cup semi-final win over England, a move that has reignited a decades-old sovereignty dispute and drawn a sharp rebuke from London.

The incident occurred during the post-match celebrations after the reigning champions staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Thomas Tuchel's England. Defender Lisandro Martínez and substitute Giovani Lo Celso were seen holding up a banner reading "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentine") while acknowledging supporters.

The gesture immediately drew condemnation in Britain. UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle called the players' behaviour "entirely inappropriate," adding that he expected FIFA to conduct a thorough investigation.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office was more pointed, remarking that while the World Cup might not belong to Britain, the Falkland Islands certainly do. The Falkland Islands Government itself described the banner as "insensitive," which reportedly triggered FIFA's decision to open the probe.

Football's world governing body has since confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are underway. A FIFA spokesperson told Al Jazeera that the organisation's independent Disciplinary Committee is reviewing the official match reports and assessing the incident in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code before deciding on any further action.

However, it remains unclear how the banner reached the players. However, FIFA regulations prohibit the display of political, ideological, religious or offensive messages during official matches. If found to have breached the rules, both the Argentine Football Association and the players involved could face disciplinary sanctions.

Under FIFA's disciplinary guidelines, violations involving political messaging can result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, with additional sanctions possible depending on the circumstances.

The investigation comes as Argentina prepare to defend their World Cup crown against Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 am Bangladesh time.