Argentina facing sanctions over Falklands banner

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Argentina's football association is facing disciplinary measures from FIFA after some national-team players unfurled a banner at a recent friendly related to the dispute over the Falkland Islands.

Before the match a week ago against Slovenia, Argentine players stood behind a banner that read in Spanish: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — The Malvinas are Argentine.

FIFA said Friday it was investigating the case, citing a statute that prohibits "provocative or aggressive actions" and another dealing with team conduct.

Britain and Argentina went to war in 1982 over the Falklands in the South Atlantic — known as Malvinas in Spanish. Since the defeat Argentina has continued to raise the issue of sovereignty.

FIFA insists the World Cup is a sporting event that should stay clear of politics.