FIFA is investigating after Argentina's players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine) following their 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals. The Falkland Islands Government described the banner as 'insensitive' and has written to football's global governing body expressing their disappointment.
Match and Banner Incident
Argentina secured a dramatic late comeback in Atlanta to snatch a 2-1 win, sending them through to the World Cup final. During the full-time celebrations, a group of players held up the banner. This follows a similar incident after Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16, when players sang a chant referencing the Falklands.
Backlash and Government Response
The banner has sparked backlash from the UK, with many deeming it offensive to the 255 British soldiers who died during the Falklands War in 1982. The UK Government issued a statement on Thursday morning reiterating: "The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are." Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for any players involved in the celebration to be barred from Sunday's final against Spain.
The Falkland Islands Government's letter to FIFA stated: "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 – a game that did not in any case involve the Falkland Islands. That said, it is hardly news to anyone that the people of the Islands were victims of an aggressive invasion in 1982 which left many traumatised. The banner displayed by Argentina last night, therefore, was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands."
FIFA's Stance and Disciplinary Process
FIFA responded by 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." The Falkland Islands Government also noted that it welcomes the UK Government's supportive statement and hopes FIFA will sanction all political behaviour in line with its rules. The letter added: "It is the avowed policy of the Falkland Islands Government that we do not wish to see politics being brought into sport. Nor do we wish the Islands and their people to be used as a political football in every conversation about England and Argentina."
