Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina players broke rules by waving a banner in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands at the World Cup.
No 10 echoed remarks made earlier by Business Secretary Peter Kyle that the governing body should “thoroughly” probe the behaviour of the defending champions after they beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s match in Atlanta.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.
“Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”
The official said any potential action is a “matter for Fifa”, but asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with his Cabinet minister that there should be an investigation, they replied: “I would echo that position.”
Asked whether Downing Street agrees with Mr Kyle’s characterisation of the behaviour as an “egregious violation” of the rules, she added: “Any action taken is a matter for Fifa, I’ll leave it for them. I’d point you to the Business Secretary’s words this morning.”
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