British Government Asks FIFA to Review Argentina Team Banner Display

The British government on Thursday urged soccer's international governing body to investigate Argentina's national team after players held a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" during post-match celebrations. Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta.

The banner, passed to players from fans in the stands, translates to "The Malvinas are Argentine," the name Argentina uses for the Falkland Islands.

Background on the Islands Dispute The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory with about 3,500 residents located roughly 8,000 miles from the U.K. and 300 miles from Argentina. Argentina maintains the islands were taken from it in 1833; Britain says its claim dates to 1765.

A 1982 war over the territory killed 649 Argentine troops, 255 British service members, and three islanders. The conflict ended during the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Government and FIFA Response U.K.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the players' behavior was "entirely inappropriate" and that he expected FIFA to conduct a thorough investigation. FIFA can fine teams between $5,000 and $20,000 for political messaging under its disciplinary code. FIFA was approached for comment Thursday.

" British government minister Kyle told the BBC that politics should remain separate from football and that the matter is now for FIFA to address.