Argentina players celebrated their World Cup win over England as they displayed a sign reading: “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”
Lionel Messi and co snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as two late goals saw them edge past their adversaries in Atlanta.
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After Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side in front, a long-range 85th-minute strike from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time header saw Argentina book their 2026 final spot.
However, the 2022 champions could now find themselves in hot water with FIFA.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso entered the field of play with the banner, which first appeared to be displayed in the crowd.
FIFA had banned banners mentioning the Falklands due to their political significance.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and football’s governing body have a clear stance on political flags, slogans and symbols being displayed.
“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo,” the IFAB rulebook states.
“For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”
It follows on from Argentina’s quarter-final win over Switzerland, where some players could be heard chanting: “For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona]…”
Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, had stirred up tensions ahead of the semi-final showdown on Wednesday.
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“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates,” she wrote.
“This isn’t just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it’s always something more.
“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’re going to claim what’s ours!”
UK government response
Senior figures in Downing Street have issued a strong response to the stunt by the Argentina players.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer said: “The World Cup might not be ours but the Falkland Islands definitely are.
“Our position is unchanged.
“Self-determination rests with the islanders.
“Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”
Meanwhile, one of Starmer’s ministers has called on FIFA to investigate.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle told BBC Breakfast: “My reaction is that it was entirely inappropriate.
“Politics needs to be separate from football.
“In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football.
“That is now a matter for Fifa. I expect Fifa to do its investigation thoroughly.”
He continued: “We expect Fifa to undertake an investigation into this.
“I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.”
Fights break out
Fights broke up after the World Cup semi-final clash in Atlanta, with police reportedly on hand to make a number of arrests as England and Argentina resumed their rivalry.
And in New York, supporters were involved in a punch-up as tensions boiled over on the other side of the pond.
A less severe incident saw Morgan Rogers get held back after getting into a confrontation with Argentina players at full time, while Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina’s Valentin Barco.
England statement after defeat
“We are completely heartbroken that our dream ends here, but so proud of this group, our staff and you – our amazing fans,” a statement posted on England’s social media accounts read.
“Your support in North America and back home has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you.”
