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FIFA has announced that it will review whether Argentina's players breached regulations after they displayed a banner supporting their nation’s claim to the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory against England.

The review follows calls from Downing Street for an inquiry into the post-match celebrations, during which several Argentina players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”.

Photographs showed Argentina’s squad displaying the banner on the pitch after their comeback 2-1 win over England. The reigning champions are now set to meet Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.

A FIFA spokesperson stated, “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently reviewing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before determining any potential next steps under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

This is not the first time the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has faced sanctions for similar actions. In 2014, FIFA fined the AFA £20,000 after players displayed an identical banner following a friendly win against Slovenia. The governing body ruled that the act violated its regulations against political statements and team misconduct.

Throughout this World Cup, Argentina supporters have repeatedly chanted songs referencing the disputed islands. According to Article 34.3 of FIFA’s regulations, players are prohibited from displaying any political slogans or messages before, during, or after matches.

Earlier on Thursday, the UK government reiterated its support for an investigation, echoing comments from Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who urged FIFA to “thoroughly” examine the actions of the Argentine team.

A spokesperson for Downing Street commented, “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands certainly are. Our position remains unchanged. The right to self-determination lies with the islanders. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

Political tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands have persisted for decades, culminating in a brief but intense conflict in 1982. Buenos Aires continues to assert its claim over the islands, located approximately 8,000 miles from the UK and around 300 miles off Argentina’s mainland.

Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who sustained injuries during the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad, criticised the Argentine players’ actions. He told The Independent that the display “cheapened” their triumph.

“It filled me with deep sadness to witness the lack of professionalism and maturity from the Argentine players,” Weston said. “It also saddened me for the Falkland Islanders, who have made their wishes clear about their governance. No one has the right to dictate who they should align with. That is freedom; that is democracy.”