ATLANTA, July 16 (ANI): Argentina could face FIFA sanctions after midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrated the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal victory over England by displaying a banner referencing the Falkland Islands, according to The Athletic.
Following Argentina’s 2-1 comeback victory in Atlanta, Lo Celso displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” referring to Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands. The phrase translates to “The Malvinas are Argentine.”
Lo Celso, along with defender Nicolás Otamendi, held the banner, which reportedly had been passed to them by fans in the stands. They briefly put it away before Lo Celso later placed it on the field, The Athletic reported.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which establishes the Laws of the Game, along with FIFA, prohibits the display of political flags, slogans, and symbols during matches.
“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo. For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA,” the IFAB rulebook states.
“Las Malvinas” is the name Argentina uses for the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory located about 300 miles (480 kilometers) east of Argentina’s coast.
The sovereignty dispute dates back to the 19th century. Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 and re-established control in 1833. The dispute escalated in 1982 when Argentina’s military government invaded the territory, triggering the Falklands War. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 and ended with Argentina’s surrender. Three civilians, 255 British military personnel, and 649 Argentine service members were killed during the war.
Meanwhile, Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel defended the display in a post on X.
“The Falklands are Argentine! They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts,” she wrote.
On the field, defending champion Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 and advance to the World Cup final.
After a scoreless first half, England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who finished a cross from Morgan Rogers.
England then retreated into a more defensive shape, allowing Argentina to apply sustained pressure. Jordan Pickford made several key saves, and Alexis Mac Allister struck the post before Argentina found an equalizer in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernández after a pass from Lionel Messi.
Argentina completed the comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross to Lautaro MartÃnez, who headed home the winning goal.
Despite England’s late push for an equalizer, Argentina held on to secure its place in the final, where it will face Spain. England will play France in the third-place match. (ANI)
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