FIFA Fines Argentina Over Islands Banner
BUENOS AIRES (FIFA) - Argentinean national hoisting a flag, which asserted the country’s sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, during a June clash has invited the country’s football body FIFA’s fine and reprimand.
The June 7 friendly against Slovenia in the run-up to 2014 World Cup saw Argentinean footballers displaying a banner reading, "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas (The Malvinas are Argentinian)" before the game.
Consequently, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs (USD 33,000) on the Argentinean football association and found the gesture in breach of regulations on "political action" at games.
Argentina and Britain fought a 74-day-long war in 1982 over the islands. The conflict ended with the British side claiming victory.
Located about 480 kilometers (300 miles) off Argentina’s coast, the Malvinas Islands have been declared part of the British overseas territories since the UK established its colonial rule on the territories in 1833.
Britain argues that it is up to the islands to decide. But Argentina says the English-speaking islanders are an implanted population kept stagnant for the purpose of occupying the territory.
The move by football’s governing body marked the second time this month, it has fined the Argentinean football association. A 300,000 Swiss francs (USD 340,000) fine was ordered for failing to bring Argentina players to pre-match news conferences at the World Cup.
Consequently, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs (USD 33,000) on the Argentinean football association and found the gesture in breach of regulations on "political action" at games.
Argentina and Britain fought a 74-day-long war in 1982 over the islands. The conflict ended with the British side claiming victory.
Located about 480 kilometers (300 miles) off Argentina’s coast, the Malvinas Islands have been declared part of the British overseas territories since the UK established its colonial rule on the territories in 1833.
Britain argues that it is up to the islands to decide. But Argentina says the English-speaking islanders are an implanted population kept stagnant for the purpose of occupying the territory.
The move by football’s governing body marked the second time this month, it has fined the Argentinean football association. A 300,000 Swiss francs (USD 340,000) fine was ordered for failing to bring Argentina players to pre-match news conferences at the World Cup.