Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semifinal victory over England has been overshadowed by a political storm after several Argentine players posed with a banner asserting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

Following the 2-1 win, in which late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturned Anthony Gordon’s opener, some Argentina players were photographed holding a banner that translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.” The gesture immediately drew condemnation in the United Kingdom and raised questions over potential disciplinary action from FIFA.

The Falkland Islands, a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic, have long been at the center of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina. Islanders voted overwhelmingly in a 2013 referendum to remain British. The issue is highly sensitive, shaped by the 1982 conflict in which Argentine forces briefly occupied the islands before being driven out by a British task force.

Under Article 34.3 of the World Cup regulations, players are prohibited from displaying political messages or slogans before, during, or after matches. Argentina have previously fallen foul of this rule: FIFA fined the federation in 2014 after players displayed a similar Falklands banner before a friendly against Slovenia.

UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle called the latest incident “entirely inappropriate,” telling BBC Breakfast that politics must remain separate from football and insisting that FIFA conduct a thorough investigation.

Downing Street also weighed in. A spokesperson for the prime minister, quoted by Sky News, said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falklands definitely are. Our position is unchanged, our commitment to the Falklands is unwavering.” The spokesperson reiterated that any sanction would be a matter for FIFA, while pointedly wishing both finalists well “especially Spain.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch wrote on social media that “The Falkland Islands are British. The Conservatives will always defend them,” underscoring the political sensitivity in Westminster.

The row comes soon after UEFA banned Spain’s Rodri and Álvaro Morata for one match each for singing about Spain’s claim to Gibraltar after their Euro 2024 triumph. Citing that precedent, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged that the Argentina players involved be suspended for the World Cup final against Spain.

Former England international Peter Reid condemned the banner as “beyond the pale,” while FIFA has been asked for comment as pressure mounts on football’s governing body to respond.