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FIFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over the Falklands banner displayed by players after the England match alongside a number of other alleged breaches including discrimination, racist abuse and objects being thrown by supporters.

A number of Argentina's jubilant squad, including two that ply their trade in England, lifted a controversial banner touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final win over England.

It triggered a fierce backlash in the UK, with former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supporting calls for FIFA to open an investigation made by Business Secretary Peter Kyle at the time.

FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but have previously turned a blind eye to continued references to the 1982 conflict in a song sung by the players – and posted on social media by the country’s association – in the dressing room throughout the tournament.

At full-time of a fractious match players including Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero, held aloft a banner which read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, using the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.

At full-time of a fractious match players including Man United ’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham's Cristian Romero, held aloft a banner which read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’

A statement said: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for potential breaches of article 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), article 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches of the representative team of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026.'

In their subsequent game, their final against Spain, several Argentina players were involved in ugly post-match clashes with Spain's players immediately after the final whistle.

Spain's captain Rodri was struck by Nahuel Molina as he went to celebrate with his team-mates, before Dani Olmo was punched by Argentina coach Roberto Ayala.

Elsewhere, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes attacked Eric Garcia by grabbing him by the neck and then, along with team-mate Thiago Almada's help, threw unused Spanish substitute Gavi to the floor in disgraceful scenes.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi also has a charge of unsporting behaviour.

A FIFA statement said: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has received the report of the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor concerning incidents that occurred during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final (Spain v. Argentina) and, following the recommendation contained therein, has opened disciplinary proceedings – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 i) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (assault) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (two counts, one completed and one attempted) and Leandro Paredes (three counts) and Argentinian official Roberto Ayala (one count).

'Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 b) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (unsporting behaviour) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (one count) and Thiago Almada (one count) and Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (one count).'

More to follow.