UK: 'Falklands Absolutely Belong to Us,' Despite Not Winning World Cup

Following Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England, Argentine players displayed a banner asserting that the Falkland Islands, which Argentina refers to as the Malvinas Islands, belong to Argentina. This action has reignited the long-standing sovereignty dispute between the two nations.

In response, a spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister's office stated, "Britain may not win the World Cup, but the Falkland Islands absolutely belong to us." The UK government reaffirmed its unwavering position on the islands, emphasizing that the islanders possess the right to self-determination and that the UK's commitment to the territory remains steadfast.

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Britain may not win the World Cup, but the Falkland Islands absolutely belong to us.

The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, held a referendum in 2013 where 99.8% of the vote supported maintaining their existing political status as a British Overseas Territory. Argentina, however, continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, a dispute that led to the Falklands War in 1982 after Argentina's invasion and subsequent British military response.

Argentine officials, including Vice President Victoria Villarruel and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, had previously raised the sovereignty issue before the match. Quirno questioned the validity of the 2013 referendum, suggesting the island's population was "deliberately implanted" and that Britain's "illegal occupation" does not legitimize its claim.

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The islanders have the right to self-determination, and the British government's commitment to the islands will never waver.

The UK Prime Minister's office rejected the "implanted population" assertion. The UK has consistently highlighted the islanders' right to self-determination, as demonstrated by the overwhelming referendum result. The dispute resurfaced again after Quirno expressed strong opposition to the "illegal" activities of the HMS Medway patrol vessel near the Falklands, accusing the UK of "military intrusion" into Argentine waters.

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The Malvinas Islands are Argentina's.

The UK government stated it had "given prior notice" of the routine logistical visit by the HMS Medway. The spokesperson stressed that the Royal Navy's actions "always fully comply with international law."

Regarding the banner displayed by the Argentine players, UK Minister for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, expressed his support for FIFA to investigate the incident, calling the players' behavior "completely inappropriate" and stating that "politics should be separated from football." He contrasted the Argentine team's actions with the "grace and dignity" shown by the England team.

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Politics should be separated from football.