Downing Street hits back after Falklands World Cup banner sparks row with Argentina

WorldFootball
16 Jul 2026 • 7:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Downing Street hits back after Falklands World Cup banner sparks row with Argentina

  • Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate Argentine players who displayed a banner asserting their country's claim to the Falkland Islands.
  • The banner, which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', was shown after Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
  • A spokesperson for the prime minister reiterated that 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,' emphasising islanders' right to self-determination.
  • Business secretary Peter Kyle described the players' action as 'entirely inappropriate' and an 'egregious violation' of rules against political messaging in football.
  • Fifa could take disciplinary action against the team for breaching regulations prohibiting political statements on the pitch.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved