BUENOS AIRES (Lord Media): Argentina’s national team may face disciplinary action from FIFA after their World Cup semi-final victory against England. Following the match, Argentine players celebrated with a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas,’ meaning ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentine.’
The Falkland Islands are a British-administered territory, but Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over them. The two countries fought a war over the islands in 1982, resulting in hundreds of military casualties.
FIFA previously fined the Argentine Football Association in 2014 for displaying a similar banner, as the global body prohibits political messages on the field.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villaruel supported the banner on social media, stating ‘The Falklands are Argentine’ and emphasizing that the issue transcends a mere football match. She had also taken a strong stance before the match.
In contrast, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni insisted that football and politics should remain separate. He acknowledged the past war as a regrettable reality but stressed that focus should remain on the game.
Argentina secured their place in the final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final.
