Argentine tabloids have mocked England after the World Cup semi-final ended with a controversial Falkland Islands demonstration. Players held up a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falkland Islands are Argentine') following a 2-1 victory in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Political Banner on the Pitch
The banner was displayed in the centre of the pitch after the match. Cronica, a widely-read Argentine tabloid, wrote that players had 'reminded England of something important'. The paper stated Argentina had 'won the battle' though the 'longstanding problem' of the Falkland Islands remained.
The article read: 'Argentina knocked England out of the 2026 World Cup and reminded them of something important: "The Falkland Islands are Argentine."' It continued: 'The historical armed conflict over that territory was clearly, and will continue to be, present every time they meet in any competition. Although the solution to that longstanding problem has not yet arrived, today our people smile because, in a way, they have won an important battle against the British.'
UK Leaders Demand FIFA Action
UK leaders have called on FIFA to take action, citing rules against political messaging. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) rulebook states: 'Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo.'
'For any offense the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organizer, national football association or by FIFA,' the rules add.
Match Details and Context
Anticipating tensions due to the 1982 Falklands conflict, Argentina's security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, had specifically banned flags and banners referencing the territory's sovereignty from the stadium. The demonstration came after a gruelling 100 minutes of play. England led for most of the match after Anthony Gordon's stunning 55th-minute goal, but Argentina scored two late goals within six minutes, with the winning header in injury time.
More than 500 people are feared dead after boats carrying refugees capsized, as reported elsewhere. Argentina Premier League star also blasted 'stupid' Gary Neville in a rant after the England match.
