Following their World Cup victory over England, several members of the Argentinian football team are facing calls for sanctions after displaying a banner claiming the Falkland Islands. Critics have described the players' actions as "classless," "provocative," and "idiotic," particularly in light of FIFA's regulations against political statements in football matches.
Footage from the stands showed players, including Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Giovani Lo Celso, placing their fingers to their lips before hoisting a banner that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," the Argentine name for the Falklands. The display occurred shortly after Argentina defeated England 2-1.
UK politicians have voiced strong disapproval. Andrew Griffith, a Tory shadow minister, stated that the display was "disgusting and an insult to the Falkland Islanders" and questioned why FIFA should not ban the Argentinian players from the final. Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, deemed the act "entirely inappropriate," contrasting it with England's "dignity." Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, urged a swift buildup of the Royal Navy in response.
FIFA has yet to issue a statement, but is under pressure to act. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly being urged to take action against their players, Romero and Martinez, who have played for clubs in the Premier League. This incident follows a similar display twelve years ago, when the Argentine team was fined £20,000 for displaying an identical banner during an international friendly. However, the current situation is being treated more seriously due to its occurrence on the World Cup stage and FIFA's explicit ban on political flags.
The Falkland Islands, located 300 miles off the coast of Argentina, have been a British Overseas Territory since 1833. A 2013 referendum saw 99.8% of islanders vote to remain British. The islands were the site of a ten-week war in 1982 after Argentina invaded, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentinians and 255 British servicemen, along with three islanders.
Argentina's vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, had previously intensified tensions by referring to England as "usurping pirates" and asserting that the Falklands are "in our blood and our hearts," despite the stadium ban on such banners.
In the football match itself, England took a 1-0 lead late in the second half, but conceded two goals in the final minutes, leading to their elimination. Manager Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism for his tactical substitutions during the match, which some pundits and fans argue contributed to the team surrendering its lead.
England fans also reported instances of taunting and "disgusting behaviour" from Argentinian supporters following the match. The Football Association is expected to report the conduct of the Argentinian players to FIFA.