AFA declares 15 July National Football Teams Day after World Cup semi win over England

Argentina’s football association, the AFA, has designated 15 July as National Football Teams Day to mark Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta on 15 July. Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the AFA over a banner displayed during post-match celebrations, and Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are under investigation over a brawl that followed the World Cup final on 19 July.

An article on the AFA’s official website stated following a meeting of its executive board on Wednesday: "The date was chosen to commemorate Argentina’s historic victory over England in the World Cup semi-final." The website framed the new observance as a tribute to national football beyond the senior side, saying the recognition extends to youth, men’s and women’s teams, futsal, beach soccer and field football.

The semi-final finished 2-1 in Atlanta. The AFA’s website said: "Lionel Scaloni’s team was trailing the English side by a single goal, but with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, they turned the game around, sending the entire nation into a frenzy of celebration." That comeback is the result the AFA cited when choosing 15 July for the new national day.

Post-match celebrations saw a banner displayed proclaiming the Falkland Islands belonged to Argentina. The banner was shown by players at the end of the match, and Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the AFA over the displaying of that banner.

Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are being investigated by Fifa over their involvement in the brawl. The brawl followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final on 19 July. The team’s assistant coach, Roberto Ayala, is also being investigated in relation to that incident.

The AFA published its statement on its official website after the executive board meeting on Wednesday. Fifa’s disciplinary proceedings and the investigations of the individuals named have been announced and are under way.