The United Kingdom government has backed calls for FIFA to investigate the conduct of Argentinas players following Englands World Cup exit and outlined its support for Spain in Sundays final. Several members of Lionel Scalonis squad including Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Tottenhams Cristian Romero held up a banner following Argentinas 2-1 victory in Atlanta that read: Las Malvinas son Argentinas which translates to the Falklands are Argentine.The Falkland Islands is a British occupied territory in the South Atlantic Ocean that Argentina continue to claim sovereignty over. The two countries went to war in 1982 with Argentina invading, only to surrender following the deaths of 907 people with the overwhelming majority Argentinian.Argentinas players chanted about the islands following the win over Switzerland on Saturday and then went a step further after beating England in the semi-finals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.By holding up the banner, they breached FIFA rules relating to political messaging and the world games governing body now have to decide whether to punish the Argentinian Football Association.A Downing Street spokesperson said: The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.UK government demand FIFA probe into Malvinas flagBusiness secretary Peter Kyle this morning demanded FIFA take action and No 10 backed that stance with the spokesperson stating they would echo that position, adding:Any action taken is a matter for FIFA, Ill leave it for them. Id point you to the business secretarys words this morning.Asked who outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would be backing in the final, the spokesperson said: The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.It is not the first time Argentinas players have expressed their belief that the Falkland Islands belong to them. Prior to a World Cup warm-up match against Slovenia in La Plata in 2014, a similar banner was paraded by the whole squad. They were fined �20,000 at the time by FIFA. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Kane opens up on England future after bowing out of another World Cup Mitch Fretton 16th July, 2026 Time to go Thomas! The five reasons why England boss Tuchel should be sacked Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 Tuchel to remain England boss despite limp World Cup exit Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 This one is for you Diego! Messi dedicates Argentinas win over England to Maradona Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 Tuchel claims no regrets after England vs Argentina World Cup defeat: I have to make a decision Ben Miller 16th July, 2026 England 1-2 Argentina: World Cup 2026 report, result, goals as Lionel Messi assists help holders reach final vs Spain Ben Miller 16th July, 2026
