UK Demands FIFA Probe Argentina's 'Las Malvinas' Banner After World Cup Semifinal Win

Following their dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinals, Argentine players Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso celebrated by displaying a banner that read "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" – "The Falklands are Argentine." The banner, which appeared during the post-match celebrations, has ignited a diplomatic response from the United Kingdom.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes stated that the team understood the match's significance for the country and aimed to represent the nation and those who experienced the "sad moment in our history." He added, "so that they could identify with us and we could convey a positive image."

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And they will always be Argentine.

However, the display is likely a violation of FIFA's Stadium Code of Conduct, which prohibits "banners, flags, flyers, apparel and paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature." Football's governing body has yet to announce any sanctions.

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the behavior of the players was 'entirely inappropriate' and that politics and football need to be kept separate.

The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, has been a long-standing point of contention between Argentina and the UK. This dispute led to a war in 1982 after Argentina's military junta invaded the islands. Britain repelled the invasion, reasserting control, though Argentina continues to claim the territory. In a 2013 referendum, island residents voted overwhelmingly to remain British.

UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that the players' actions were "entirely inappropriate" and stressed that politics and football must remain separate. "In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football," he said. "That is now a matter for FIFA. I expect FIFA to do its investigation thoroughly."

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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.