Argentine players risk FIFA action after Falkland Islands banner display

After securing a victory in the World Cup semi-final against England, Argentine players celebrated by displaying a banner supporting their country’s claim over the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas).

This action has increased the likelihood of Argentina facing disciplinary action from FIFA. The defending World Cup champions made a remarkable comeback in the final moments of the match held in Atlanta, defeating Thomas Tuchel’s England team 2-1. With this win, Argentina has secured a spot in Sunday’s final against Spain.

Post-match, the Argentine players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentina’s”).

The Falkland Islands, located in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and a British overseas territory, have long been a subject of sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina.

A 74-day war over the islands was fought between the two countries from April to June 1982, resulting in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British soldiers, as well as three island civilians.

Previously, in 2014, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association 20,000 pounds for a similar banner display before a friendly match against Slovenia.

FIFA deemed this action a violation of rules regarding political activities and team misconduct.

Following the victory, Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel shared a video of Argentine soldiers on social media platform X, stating, “This was not just an ordinary game.” She reiterated Argentina’s claim over the Falklands, noting that while banners were banned in the stadium, the sentiment is ingrained in the blood and hearts of the Argentine people.

Before the match, she had also described the semi-final as an opportunity to “show the aggressors their rightful place.”

After defeating Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, Argentine players had also sung songs referencing the Falkland Islands, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi.

However, before the semi-final, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed that football and politics should not be mixed. He emphasized respecting past tragic events and stated that this was merely a football match.

In the game, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored in the final moments to secure the win for Argentina. Given the historical tensions between the two countries, security measures for the semi-final were significantly heightened.