Argentina face punishment from FIFA after celebrating their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. The incident occurred following an ill-tempered match in Atlanta, where England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon before a late collapse saw Enzo Fernandez equalise and Lautaro Martinez score the winner in the second minute of injury time.
Banner Sparks Controversy
After the match, Argentina's players held up a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which translates to 'The Falklands are Argentine'. The banner refers to the 74-day war in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, which resulted in the deaths of 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentinian personnel.
Throughout the World Cup, Argentina's players and supporters have sung songs referencing the Falkland Islands. FIFA rules explicitly prohibit political statements at matches it organises. In 2014, Argentina's Football Association (AFA) was fined 30,000 Swiss francs (£19,540) and reprimanded after players displayed a similar banner before a friendly against Slovenia, violating Article 60 of FIFA's stadium safety and security regulations and Article 52 of the disciplinary code.
Argentina's Stance
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul commented before the win over England: 'We understand it's a football game that transcends, it brings back memories of what Diego did. We sing songs about our Malvinas heroes, mainly to remember them, but we have to understand that it's a football match and that the Malvinas have to be discussed elsewhere. What happened was an atrocity and we always remember the fallen, but what we want is to win this match to get to the final.'
Argentina's security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, said enhanced security had been discussed ahead of the game, with 1,600 officers deployed. 'We want the celebration to be peaceful,' she said. 'The entry of elements that have any type of provocative message, whether of political or racial content, is prohibited.'
Upcoming Matches
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, while England will play France in the third-placed play-off, which kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday.
