Argentina players who hoisted a 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' banner after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England have sparked fury in the UK, with politicians demanding FIFA ban them from Sunday's final. The banner, which translates to 'The Falkland Islands are Argentinian', was held by Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso after the match, while Lionel Messi and others smiled nearby. Holding political flags violates FIFA's Stadium Code of Conduct.
FIFA Investigates the Incident
FIFA confirmed on Thursday that its disciplinary committee is assessing the match reports. A spokesperson said: '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 based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.' The Argentine team has a history of this gesture, having done so in 2014 during a friendly against Slovenia, which resulted in a £20,000 fine.
Political Outcry and Calls for a Ban
British politicians reacted swiftly. Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader and MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said: 'The players who actively held, posed with, and promoted this political banner must be issued an immediate one-match ban, disqualifying them from participating in the final.' Louie French, Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup and shadow sports minister, added: 'The Falklands are British. That is not up for discussion. Last night's pathetic stunt by the Argentinian team was shameful and FIFA must throw the book at them.'
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement, with his spokesperson saying: 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.'
Falkland Islands Government Responds
The Falkland Islands Government Office in London expressed disappointment, stating it was 'regrettably not surprised' by the stunt. A spokesperson said: 'The banner displayed by Argentina last night was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands. 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.' They added: 'We hope FIFA make good on their promise to keep politics out of sport, and sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules.'
Expected Punishment
Argentina's president, Javier Milei, expects a fine similar to the 2014 penalty. However, given the heightened political context and the timing before a World Cup final, some UK politicians are pushing for a stricter sanction, including a one-match ban for the players involved. The incident has reignited tensions over the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute, which led to a war in 1982.
