Argentina players put up a banner about the Falkland Islands after defeating England (Image: Getty)
Argentina’s players broke FIFA rules and displayed a Falklands banner on the pitch just minutes after defeating England in the World Cup semi-finals. The reigning world champions began another remarkable comeback in North America, where they were normally trailing 1-0 with six minutes remaining. Late goals from Enzo Fernandes and Lautaro Martinez canceled out Anthony Gordon’s opening goal and set up a showdown with European champions Spain this Sunday in New Jersey.
However, it emerged that the South American team had violated the rules of world football’s governing body during the post-match celebration. FIFA has a clear position that political flags, slogans and symbols are prohibited inside stadiums. Early in the tournament, the England flag, which featured the Barrow AFC logo with a submarine on it, was deemed political and was banned from entering the grounds.
But Argentina could face punishment for its actions after a banner was raised that read “Argentina, Sons of Las Malvinas”, which refers to the 1982 Falklands War and translates to “The Malvinas (Falklands) are Argentina”. The incident will be reported to FIFA.
Article 4 of the IFAB Law states: “Messages or images of a political, religious or personal nature must not be displayed. If a player displays a shirt or clothing or holds up an item bearing such a message, the player and/or his team may be subject to sanctions.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sought to defuse tensions before the match, saying it was “wrong” to play a match based on the conflict. Tensions remain around the Falkland Islands, with Argentina still contesting sovereignty over the British overseas territory.
Their fans and players have regularly sang songs about the issue. But Scaloni, who led La Albiceleste to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said: “This is a football match. Out of respect for what happened many years ago, we cannot mix things up.”
“It was a very sad period in our history. There’s not much we can do about it. It would be madness to mix the two. We criticize that there was a war. Of course people remember history and what happened. This is a football game and we have to keep things separate.”
“Yes, we remember the people of Argentina and those who died in the war, but let’s not confuse things. What do today’s players have to do with years ago? It was a sad time, of course we remember this, but it is completely wrong to incorporate this into the game.”
In contrast, Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villaruel added fuel to the fire by labeling England “pirates” and “invaders”. She added, “Because we’re going to claim what’s ours until our last breath!”
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Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso raising the flag of Argentina’s Falklands (Image: Getty)
Giovani Lo Celso placed a banner on the pitch (Image: Getty)
And after the final whistle, Scaloni’s words were ignored. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso held up a banner in front of the Argentine fans, and former Spurs player Giovani Lo Celso placed it on the pitch.
The incident sparked outrage online. There were also horrific scenes outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after the match, with police stepping in to stop a group of England and Argentina fans from fighting.
Despite the Argentine flag, Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory during a referendum in 2013. The Leader of the Legislative Assembly said: “The Falkland Islands are a proud member of the British nation and we intend to protect our internal autonomy and status as a financially independent British Overseas Territory.”
“As a nation, we must constantly remind the international community that Falkland Islanders have the right to self-determination. That will was never more clearly exercised than in the referendum ten years ago and must be respected by those who value democracy and freedom.”
“The political status of our island is the decision of our people, not of our aggressive and hostile neighbors. I will never forget the feeling of pride on those two days, when the world focused on our island and our people clearly expressed our wishes.
“Ten years later, nothing has changed and the Falkland Islands remain steadfast in their loyalty to the United Kingdom and their determination to determine their own political future.”
Argentina aims to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962. The only country to retain the trophy was Italy in 1938. The holders will face Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium at 8pm UK time.
Meanwhile, England face France in the third-place play-off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night (10pm BST).
