The British government called on FIFA on July 16 (local time) to investigate Argentina players who celebrated their comeback victory against England in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup semifinals by holding a banner on the pitch that read, "Malvinas are Argentine."

Malvinas is the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands.

Argentina and the UK fought a war over the islands in 1982, which ended in Argentina's surrender after 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British soldiers were killed.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said in an interview with Sky News that day, "It is completely inappropriate for Argentine players to hold such a banner," adding, "Politics should be separated from football, and the outcome is now up to FIFA's decision."

When asked if FIFA should investigate the matter, he emphasized, "I certainly think FIFA should look into it."

FIFA prohibits the entry of banners, flags, leaflets, or clothing into stadiums that contain political, offensive, or racist content.

A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was "a matter for FIFA" when asked about the issue, but noted that they support the views expressed by Secretary Kyle.

The spokesperson stated, "The World Cup may not be ours, but the Falkland Islands are clearly ours."

The spokesperson added, "Our position remains unchanged," and that "the right to self-determination lies with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands is unwavering."

The UK cites the results of referendums held in 1986 and 2013, in which over 95% of residents overwhelmingly supported remaining a British territory, as the basis for maintaining British sovereignty based on the Falkland residents' right to self-determination.

The spokesperson also stated, "The Prime Minister wishes both teams well in the final, and particularly wishes Spain success in their match against Argentina."

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest party in the British House of Commons, even argued that the Argentine players who held the banner should be banned from playing in the final.

Davey wrote on X, "It was right that Rodri and Alvaro Morata were banned for one match in 2024 for chanting 'Gibraltar is Spanish,'" adding, "Now, the Argentine players who celebrated by saying 'The Falklands are Argentine' should also receive a ban."

After Spain defeated England to win the Euro 2024 final, Spanish captain Morata and Rodri chanted "Gibraltar is Spanish" during a victory celebration in Madrid, for which they were suspended for one match by UEFA.

Gibraltar is a British territory that Spain ceded to the UK in the 18th century but continues to demand its return.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)