FIFA may well opt to punish Argentina after a number of their players held up a large banner supporting the nation’s claims to the Falkland Islands following their victory over England in last night’s World Cup semi-final.
Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final after coming from behind in an emotionally charged match courtesy of two late goals. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon midway through the second half, but the reigning World Cup holders immediately took control of the game thereafter, creating a litany of chances that made their eventual victory probable if not inevitable.
An undeniable element of the pre-match build-up had centered around the subtle residual tension between the two nations dating back to the short-lived Falklands War of 1982.
For a brief recap, Argentina seized the Falkland Islands (a British overseas territory) on April 2, 1982. Britain responded by deploying a massive naval task force to reclaim the isles, which lie some 8,000 miles from the UK.
The resulting conflict, which lasted 74 days, resulted in the loss of 255 British troops, 649 Argentine troops, and 3 civilians. After British ground forces advanced across East Falkland, the Argentine garrison in the capital, Port Stanley, surrendered.
Perceived lingering wounds, predominantly on the side of Argentina, played a role in the backdrop of last night’s semi-final, and anyone doubting whether or not the memory of the conflict – now 44 years old – was present in the minds of the players got their answer in the moments following the game’s culmination.
Amid the celebrations, several Argentina players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translating to “The Falklands are Argentine”.
Whatever one’s personal sentiments toward the claim, Argentina could now face heavy sanctions from FIFA, as the association strictly prohibits political messaging by players.
Back in 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined $27,000 by FIFA after its players flaunted a banner with the same wording before a friendly against Slovenia.
FIFA’s official regulations are as follows: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”
At the time of writing, FIFA are yet to officially respond to last night’s banner.
Following Argentina’s victory in the semi-final, the country’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, wrote on X: “It wasn’t just another match. The Falklands are Argentine. They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”
Prior to the game, Villarruel had aired her thoughts regarding the potential outcome of the clash, stating the match was ‘about putting the invaders in their place’.
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
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