Argentina national team players have declined a request to return the controversial Falkland Islands banner to the fan who smuggled it into the World Cup semi-final against England. The banner, which reads 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), was unfurled by several Argentina squad members after their 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Fan's Smuggling Story
The banner's creator, identified only as Santiago to protect his identity, revealed he made it using a hotel bedsheet and paint bought from a nearby shop. He smuggled it into the stadium by stuffing it down his trousers. '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 told Perfil, via the Buenos Aires Times. '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.'
Request Denied
Santiago submitted a request to Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), seeking the return of the banner. However, he was reportedly told that 'the boys don't want to give it back.' The banner has sparked significant backlash, with 255 British soldiers having lost their lives during the Falklands War in 1982.
UK Government and FIFA Response
The UK Government released a statement declaring: 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.' FIFA announced 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.'
White House Weighs In
Despite the controversy, the White House insisted the Argentine players were exercising a First Amendment right to freedom of expression when they made their Falklands protest. Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday evening, with both sides undefeated throughout the tournament.
