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Argentina’s foreign ministry reiterated the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands after Argentine players displayed a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner during celebrations following their 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.According to The Athletic, Argentina are at risk of FIFA sanctions after midfielder Giovani Lo Celso appeared on the pitch with a banner following a dramatic comeback win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The banner, which translates to “Malvinas are Argentinians”, was first seen among fans in the stands. Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi picked him up before briefly putting him away. Lo Celso later displayed it on the field during the celebrations.
The long-running dispute over the Falklands
‘Las Malvinas’ is the name used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located about 300 miles (480 km) off the east coast of Argentina.The dispute over sovereignty dates back to the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 and regained control in 1832.In 1982, the Argentine military government invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 before ending with the surrender of Argentina. During the war, three civilians, 255 British soldiers and 649 Argentine soldiers were killed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues an official statement:
OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONTHE MALVINA PROBLEM: THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA PROTESTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR MAKING UNNOTICED MOVEMENTS OF HMS MEDWAY TOWARDS THE ARGENTINE CONTINENTAL COASTOn the instructions of Foreign Minister Quirn, a formal note of protest was delivered to the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 13 July expressing strong opposition to the movements of HMS Medway, illegally stationed in the Malvinas Islands, which were not duly notified in accordance with bilateral agreements and declarations in force, and which included transit through Argentine territorial sea.This unilateral action is a violation of the commitments undertaken by both 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 section I.2 “Measures to strengthen mutual confidence”, point “b” (text according to the Joint Declaration signed in Buenos Aires and London on July 12, 1993).The Argentine government firmly rejects this British military incursion into areas under Argentine jurisdiction, which is in addition to a long-standing policy of unilateral actions inconsistent with United Nations resolutions and the duty of both parties to refrain from altering the situation while the sovereignty dispute awaits resolution.Such unannounced and illegal movements are contrary to the bilateral commitments on confidence-building measures in the military sphere that are in place between the two countries, while adding to a long series of unilateral actions taken by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in violation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 31/49, which calls on both parties to refrain from taking decisions that include the introduction of unilateral changes to the situation of the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute remains pending resolution.Far from creating the conditions of trust and understanding necessary for mature bilateral relations, these actions are deepening tensions in the South Atlantic, ignoring the renewed mandate of the international community, and hindering Argentina’s efforts to progress towards a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the dispute.The Republic of Argentina reaffirms its legitimate and non-recordable sovereign rights over the Malvina Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding sea areas.By history, by law and by belief, the Malvinas are Argentine.MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FIFA rules on political banners
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA have clear rules banning political flags, slogans and symbols during matches.“The equipment must not have political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. “Players must not reveal underwear that displays political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertisements other than the manufacturer’s logo,” the IFAB rulebook reads.“For any violation, the player and/or team will be sanctioned by the competition organizer, the national football association or FIFA.”If the banner is considered political, it could also violate FIFA’s code of conduct in stadiums.FIFA’s list of banned items includes:“Any material, including but not limited to banners, flags, leaflets, clothing and other paraphernalia, which are political, offensive and/or discriminatory in nature, contain words, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a state, private person or group on the basis of race, colour, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political or any other opinion, birth, property condition or any other status, sexual orientation or on any other basis.“
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