NEW DELHI: Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been followed by a fresh controversy. After the final whistle at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrated with a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – a slogan linked to Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands.According to The Athletic, the display could invite disciplinary action from FIFA because football’s governing body prohibits political messages during matches. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversy:
What does “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” mean?
“Las Malvinas son Argentinas” translates to “The Malvinas are Argentines”. “Las Malvinas” is the name Argentina uses for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located about 300 miles (480 km) off the east coast of Argentina.After Argentina’s semi-final victory, Lo Celso held the flag with defender Nicolas Otamendi. The banner appeared to have first been displayed by supporters in the stands. The pair held it up shortly before walking off, after Lo Celso placed it on the pitch during the celebrations.
Why are the Falkland Islands disputed?
The Falkland Islands have been at the center of a sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom for more than 190 years.The dispute dates back to the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Great Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 and re-established control in 1832.In 1982, the military government of Argentina invaded the islands in an attempt to take control, triggering the Falklands War.The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 before ending with the surrender of Argentina. Three civilians, 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentine troops were killed during the war.
What did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina say?
Days before the semi-finals of the World Cup, Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official communique reaffirming the country’s claim to the islands.The statement was titled:OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONMALVINAS ISSUE: THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA PROTESTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR MAKING UNNOTIFIED MOVEMENTS OF HMS MEDWAY TOWARDS THE ARGENTINE MAINLAND COASTOn the instructions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Quirno, on July 13 a formal note of protest was presented to the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, expressing the strongest rejection of the movements of the HMS Medway, illegally stationed in the Malvinas Islands, which were not duly notified in accordance with the bilateral land agreements and declarations in vigor, Argentina.This unilateral action constitutes a violation of the commitments assumed by the two Governments in the Joint Declaration of September 25, 1991, which replaces its annexes I, II, III and IV, and in the Joint Declaration signed in Madrid on February 15, 1990, in its section I.2 “Measures to strengthen the mutual trust of Buenos Aires,” and London on July 12, 1993).The Argentine Government firmly rejects this British military incursion in the areas under Argentine jurisdiction, which is added to a sustained policy of unilateral acts incompatible with the resolutions of the United Nations and with the duty of both parties to refrain from changing the situation while the sovereignty dispute remains pending resolution.Such unannounced and illegal moves contravene bilateral commitments on confidence-building measures in the military sphere in force between the two countries, while adding to the long series of unilateral actions that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has carried out in contravention of Resolution 31/49 of the UN General Assembly, which urges both parties to abandon the decision to adopt a unilateral situation. of the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute remains pending resolution.Far from creating the conditions of trust and understanding necessary for a mature bilateral relationship, these actions deepen tensions in the South Atlantic, ignore the repeated mandate of the international community, and hinder Argentine efforts to move towards a peaceful and negotiated solution to the dispute.The Argentine Republic reaffirms, once again, its legitimate and non-prescriptive sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas.By history, by law, and by conviction, the Malvinas are Argentine.Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Why could FIFA act?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA ban political slogans, symbols and messages during matches.The IFAB Laws of the Game state: “The equipment must not have political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that display political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.”It also adds: “For any offense the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the organizer of the competition, the national football association or by FIFA.”If FIFA considers the “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner to be political, Argentina could also be found in violation of the government’s stadium code of conduct.FIFA’s list of prohibited articles includes: “Any material, including but not limited to banners, flags, flyers, clothes and other paraphernalia, which are of a political, offensive and / or discriminatory nature, containing words, symbols or any other attributes intended to discriminate of any kind against a country, a private person or a group on the basis of race, skin identity, skin color, national identity, identity and social origin. language, religion, opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other status, sexual orientation or for any other reasons.“