'World Cup not ours but Falklands are' - Downing Street backs FIFA probe into Argentina banner

Downing Street has backed calls for FIFA to investigate Argentina's World Cup victory celebrations, specifically their display of a banner asserting a claim to the Falkland Islands. A spokesperson echoed UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle's demand for a thorough probe into the defending champions' behavior after their 2-1 win over England.

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The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.

"The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are," the Downing Street spokeswoman stated. She reaffirmed the UK's unwavering commitment to the islands and emphasized that self-determination rests with the islanders. While acknowledging that any FIFA action is a "matter for FIFA," she agreed with Kyle's characterization of the behavior as an "egregious violation" of rules.

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Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders.

Argentina fans displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", translating to "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian", near the pitch. The players later held the sign aloft during their celebrations. This action potentially violates Article 34.3 of the tournament's rules, which prohibits political messages from players.

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Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle had earlier told BBC Breakfast that the display was "entirely inappropriate" and that "politics needs to be separate from football." He urged FIFA to investigate, calling it a clear violation of the rules. Kyle contrasted the Argentina team's behavior with the "dignity" shown by England's Thomas Tuchel's side.

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Politics needs to be separate from football.