Scandal! Britain demands Argentina players be barred from World Cup final!
A political banner after the victory over England could leave Argentina’s players out of the decisive match.
Details: The British government has officially called on FIFA to investigate the actions of Argentina’s national team players following the World Cup semifinal. Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" after their 2-1 win over England.
UK Trade Minister Peter Kyle called the Argentinians’ actions totally inappropriate and stressed that politics has no place at the World Cup. Representatives for Prime Minister Keir Starmer have also backed calls for a full investigation.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey went even further: the politician demanded that the involved players be disqualified and barred from the final against Spain, scheduled for July 19.
FIFA regulations prohibit the display of political, ideological, or offensive slogans before, during, and after matches. Now the organization’s disciplinary bodies must decide whether to limit the punishment to a fine or impose individual sanctions on the players.
It’s worth noting that in 2014, the Argentine Football Association was already fined 30,000 Swiss francs for a similar banner. South Korean footballer Park Jong-woo previously received a two-match suspension for a political placard at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Reminder: Argentina could face FIFA punishment. What's the reason?
Steven Perez
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