Argentina could face trouble from FIFA over an anti-England banner, and some people are asking for their visas to be taken away.
Argentina might face penalties from FIFA after players showed a political banner following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England.
England took the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Argentina came back strong with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, booking their spot in the World Cup final for the second time in a row.
The match was intense, given the rivalry between the two countries, leading to some heated moments during and after the game. One notable incident involved Jude Bellingham, who was seen slapping Argentine substitute Valentin Barco.
Some Argentine players celebrated right in front of the England team, and part of their celebration included showing a banner that said “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas,” which means “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”
Players like Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Giovani Lo Celso held the banner that refers to the 1982 Falklands War, which sadly resulted in 907 deaths—649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British soldiers, and three civilians. Argentina has long claimed the Falklands Islands, which adds tension to their games against England.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, asked to keep politics out of football, saying “we shouldn’t mix the two.” But Argentina’s vice president, Victoria Villarruel, called England “usurping pirates” and “invaders,” showing a different view.
FIFA doesn’t allow political messages during matches. In 2014, Argentina’s team was fined and officially warned after posing with the same banner before a friendly game, breaking FIFA rules and facing a fine of around £20,000.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, who also held the banner, explained why the message means so much to his country. He said, “It’s a sad part of our history. For everyone involved, it hurts. We knew we were playing for them, for our whole nation. I believe we did it in the best possible way.”
Some UK officials criticized the banner display. Business Secretary Peter Kyle called it “entirely inappropriate” and urged FIFA to investigate. Nile Gardiner, a former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, even said all Argentine players in the Premier League should have their UK visas taken away.
The players involved include Martinez, Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Emiliano Martínez, and Fernandez—all currently playing in England’s top league. Gardiner tweeted, “There should be zero tolerance for this.”
Robert Taylor, writing for The Spectator, agreed and called for the UK government to revoke these players’ visas.
Political analyst Jon Craig told Sky News he expects British politicians to demand action. He said, “There will be real anger among many UK politicians. FIFA might not act, but some British leaders could push for fines or visa issues for the Argentine players in the Premier League. I can imagine a strong response, especially from conservative or former politicians.”
Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, while England will play France in the third-place match the day before.