The Falkland Islands Government has written to FIFA demanding action after Argentina players displayed a banner claiming the islands belong to Argentina following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. The banner, which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentinian), was thrown onto the pitch by fans and paraded by celebrating players after the 2-1 win.
Player Comments and Political Backlash
Midfielder Leandro Paredes said on television: 'The Falklands will always be Argentinian.' The UK Government condemned the display, and the Liberal Democrats called for players to be banned from the final against Spain, citing FIFA rules barring political statements.
Falklands Government Response
A Falkland Islands Government spokesman told the Daily Star: 'The Falkland Islands Government is disappointed – though regrettably not surprised – that the Argentine football team decided to tarnish the result of last night’s World Cup football semi-final. The banner displayed by Argentina last night was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands, who were victims of an aggressive invasion in 1982 which left many traumatised.' The spokesman added that the islands should not be used as a 'political football' and hoped FIFA would sanction such behaviour.
Official Protest Letter
Jack Ford, chair of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, wrote to FIFA stating the banner display was a 'clear political statement' in breach of tournament rules. He noted that the 1982 war left islanders 'traumatised' and that such acts were 'particularly insensitive'.
UK Government and Prime Minister's Response
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said: 'The World Cup might not be ours but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklanders will never waver.' Business Secretary Peter Kyle called the display 'entirely inappropriate' and urged FIFA to investigate the 'egregious' rule breach.
Argentina's Position and Counter-Protest
Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno backed the players' banner and lodged a formal protest over the movement of HMS Medway, which he claimed sailed from the Falklands into Argentine waters. The UK said proper procedures were followed. Quirno reaffirmed Argentina's sovereignty claim over the islands.
Players Involved and Fan Actions
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, former Manchester City star Nicolás Otamendi, and ex-Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were among those seen holding the banner. In Buenos Aires, fans burned an England flag and hoisted a coffin painted with a St George’s Cross. Some burned English flags before the game.
FIFA Investigation and Potential Sanctions
FIFA is likely to investigate after the tournament, with those involved facing fines. The Liberal Democrats cited a 2024 case where Rodri and Álvaro Morata were banned for one match for singing 'Gibraltar is Spain', arguing similar action should be taken here.
