Olaleye IDOWU
FIFA is not looking to punish Argentina players who celebrated their 2-1 victory over England at the World Cup, with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands.
The UK Metro reports that this means the players are unlikely to be banned ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain.
Abiceleste were trailing in the semi-final clash until the 85th minute, when Enzo Fernandez cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s opener.
Lautaro Martinez then headed in Lionel Messi’s cross in the 92nd minute to ensure they would have a chance to defend their trophy.
After the game, the Argentina squad and staff wildly celebrated on the pitch, with several players posing with a banner that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates as ‘The Falklands are Argentine’.
Players including Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were among the players pictured holding the banner.
Article 34.3 of the World Cup rules prohibits the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.