World Cup might not be ours but the Falklands are, says defiant No 10 after Argentina banner row

World Cup might not be ours but the Falklands definitely are, says defiant No 10 after Argentina banner row ‘The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are’, Downing Street said - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Downing Street has backed a minister’s call for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina players broke rules by waving a banner in support of their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands, saying: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.” It comes after Argentine players held up a banner that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates to ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’, in the wake of their 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “Our position is unchanged, self determination rests with the islanders. Our commitment to the Falklanders will never waver.” She added that any action to be taken “rests with Fifa”, adding: “We’ve said throughout that politics should stay out of football”. The spokesperson also backed remarks from business secretary Peter Kyle, who had said the intervention from Argentina was “entirely inappropriate” and called for Fifa to investigate their actions. “I saw the images this morning, and of course, it's entirely inappropriate”, he told Sky News. “Politics should stay away from football. That is a very clear principle of the World Cup, but any consequences that come from that is now a decision for FIFA.” Speaking to the BBC, he added: “We expect Fifa to undertake an investigation into this. I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.” The team could face the prospect of disciplinary action from governing body Fifa for violating rules banning political messaging on the pitch. This is a breaking story – more follows... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] VINAS RGENTINAS