The British government on Thursday called on FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrated their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England by posing with a banner claiming sovereignty over the disputed Falkland Islands.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed calls for FIFA to investigate, according to his spokesperson.
“The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver,” the spokesperson said.
Business minister Peter Kyle had earlier also called for an investigation, calling the banner an "egregious violation" of FIFA rules which prohibit political symbols on the field of play.
Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas. Argentine forces invaded the islands in 1982 on the orders of the country's then-military dictatorship, triggering a 10-week war won by Britain.
