Argentina players have been accused of making ‘non-sporting demonstrations’ after the World Cup semi-final.

FIFA has started disciplinary action against Argentina after the team marked their win over England in the World Cup semi-final by posing with a banner referring to the Falkland Islands.

Several players, including Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, were pictured with the hand-written banner carrying the message ‘Las Malvinas Son Argentinas’. In translation, it means ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’.

The Falkland Islands lie off the coast of Argentina but remain a British Overseas Territory.

The alleged breach is one of several matters being examined. FIFA is also looking into claims of discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, failure to follow match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and supporters, and spectators throwing objects. The charges relate to several of Argentina’s World Cup matches.

FIFA is also investigating the brawl that erupted immediately after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final.

Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are being investigated for the alleged assault, under FIFA’s disciplinary code, on Spain’s Rodri and Eric Garcia after the 1-0 defeat in New Jersey, while assistant Roberto Ayala is also under investigation.

Winger Thiago Almada has also been accused of unsporting behaviour along with Molina and Spain’s Gavi.

Argentina were widely criticised for their conduct after the final whistle, as Spain’s celebrations following a second World Cup triumph were overshadowed by violence that left Spanish players and staff being punched and thrown to the ground.