Starmer backs FIFA probe into Argentina players' Falklands banner

Keir Starmer has backed calls for FIFA to investigate Argentina players who held up a banner claiming the Falkland Islands for Argentina after their 2–1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. The prime minister watched the match on a train while traveling to Ukraine for his final foreign trip in office.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle had earlier urged FIFA to "thoroughly" investigate possible rule breaches, telling the BBC that the banner was "an egregious violation" of the principle that politics should stay out of football. Starmer’s spokesperson confirmed he endorsed Kyle’s remarks.

The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — Argentina's name for the South Atlantic islands. When asked who Starmer would support in Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain, the spokesperson said: "The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain."

On the banner, she added: "The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver." She also said potential action is a matter for FIFA, but praised the tournament.

Asked whether Thomas Tuchel should consider his position after England’s performance, the spokesperson said it was a matter for the head coach and praised the team for reaching the semi-finals.

Separately, Argentina complained about the Royal Navy vessel HMS Medway sailing through its waters en route from the Falklands to Chile. Starmer’s spokesperson rejected the complaint, stating the UK had notified Argentina in advance and that the ship was on a routine logistics visit to support British Antarctic Survey operations, and that the transit was conducted in full compliance with international law.