Argentina players have reportedly refused to return a controversial Falkland Islands banner to the fan who smuggled it into the stadium during their World Cup semi-final victory over England. The banner, which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falklands are Argentine'), was held up by several squad members after the match in Atlanta on Wednesday night, sparking widespread backlash.
Banner Causes Fury After England Defeat
England lost 2-1 to the reigning world champions, dashing their hopes of reaching Sunday's final in New Jersey. After the final whistle, Argentina players unfurled the banner, inflaming tensions over the Falklands War, which claimed the lives of 255 British soldiers in 1982. The UK Government issued a statement saying: 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.'
Fan's Story of How He Got the Banner to Players
The creator of the banner, identified only as Santiago to protect his identity, told the Argentine outlet Perfil via the Buenos Aires Times how he managed to get the banner to the players. He made it using a hotel bedsheet and paint bought from a local shop. 'When I saw [Gonzalo] Montiel, I threw it to him and he caught it. He passed it to [Giovani] Lo Celso, who was the first to hold it up,' Santiago said. 'When I saw Lo Celso open it up and his teammates holding it on the pitch, I felt a joy I can't put into words – how could a piece of bedsheet mean so much to every Argentine.' He added: 'It was crazy. I never imagined that flag would go around the world because of a silly idea we had in a hotel room.'
Player Refusal and FIFA Investigation
Santiago reportedly asked Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), to return the banner, but was told 'the boys don't want to give it back.' FIFA launched an investigation, stating: 'As is standard procedure, FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps.' Meanwhile, the White House claimed the Argentine players were exercising a First Amendment right to freedom of expression.
Upcoming Final Against Spain
Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday evening. Both teams remain unbeaten across all seven matches in the tournament, including the group stages.
