Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England has been followed by a fresh off-field controversy after players displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands during their post-match celebrations.
England vs Argentina
The defending champions beat England 2-1 in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, scoring twice late to reach the World Cup final. But attention quickly shifted from the result to the scenes that followed the final whistle.
During the celebrations, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were seen holding up a banner that read: “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.”
It was not immediately clear where the banner came from, though reports suggested it had earlier been displayed in the stands.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes defended the message when asked about it after the match.
And they will always be Argentine,” Paredes said.
We were aware of what this match meant for the country. We tried to represent our nation and all those who lived through that sad moment in our history, so that they could identify with us and we could convey a positive image.”
The incident has placed Argentina under scrutiny because FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct prohibits banners, flags, clothing and other materials considered political, offensive or discriminatory.
FIFA has now confirmed that its independent disciplinary committee is reviewing the matter before deciding whether further action is required.
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,” FIFA said in a statement.
The United Kingdom has called on FIFA to act, with UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle describing the players’ behaviour as inappropriate.
Kyle told the BBC that politics and football should remain separate, adding that the matter now rests with FIFA.
The Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, have long been a source of diplomatic tension between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The dispute led to war in 1982, when Argentina’s then-military government invaded the islands. Britain responded by sending a military task force and later reasserted control after a conflict that lasted just over two months and claimed more than 900 lives.
The islands remain under British control, and residents voted overwhelmingly in a 2013 referendum to remain British. Argentina, however, continues to claim sovereignty over the territory.
The banner controversy adds a political edge to an already emotional fixture between two countries with a long and complicated World Cup history.
On the pitch, England had looked on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after taking the lead in the 55th minute. But Argentina responded late, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals as the holders completed another dramatic comeback.
The 39-year-old captain now has the chance to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.
Spain await in the final after beating France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
For Argentina, the focus should have been fully on another final appearance. Instead, they must now wait to see whether FIFA takes disciplinary action over a celebration that has reopened one of football’s most sensitive political fault lines.
