Argentina players displayed a banner referencing the Falklands War during their World Cup semi-final celebrations against England, with the UK government demanding FIFA investigate the political gesture09:40, 17 Jul 2026Updated 11:37, 20 Jul 2026Argentina's president insists his players will happily cover any fine imposed by FIFA after several squad members displayed a flag referencing the Falklands War during their post‑match celebrations. The incident came in the aftermath of Argentina's dramatic World Cup semi‑final win over England, a comeback from 1-0 down that booked their place in Sunday's final.‌Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions ahead in Atlanta, but England's second‑half drop‑off invited pressure and Argentina seized control. Enzo Fernandez levelled the match with a long‑range strike, and just seven minutes later Lautaro Martinez met Lionel Messi's cross with a decisive header to complete the turnaround.‌As the celebrations kicked off at full time, a group of Argentina players were seen holding a banner that read: "Las Malvinas son Argentina," which translates to: " The Falklands are Argentine."‌JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageThe UK government has since called upon FIFA to launch an investigation, insisting it represents a blatant breach of their regulations surrounding political symbols and gestures.Nevertheless, divisive Argentine president Javier Milei has firmly backed his players, declaring: "The Malvinas are Argentine. What the players did is understandable; emotion got the better of them.‌"They did it, and that will probably lead to a discussion of an economic sanction. It is perfectly valid and legitimate for the players to want to express themselves and do so."The things that happen on the field with the players are not part of diplomacy. In the worst-case scenario, Argentina will face a £20,000 economic sanction from FIFA. We are going to recover the Malvinas, and we will do so through diplomatic means, with intelligence in our actions."‌The incident has provoked fury on the island, with a member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly describing the incident as a 'clear political statement regarding the sovereignty' of the islands.The Falkland Islands government has written to FIFA calling for disciplinary measures against the Argentine Football Association (AFA).‌Speaking about the controversy, Falkland Islands politician Jack Ford said: "Videos were also leaked following their Argentina vs Egypt fixture in which the Argentinian squad sang chants about the Falkland Islands in their locker rooms. We are disappointed, though regrettably not surprised, by this manner of action, as this is not the first such incident.."The Falkland Islands are a diverse, self-governing, self-funding British Overseas Territory, and engage internationally in sport, science, and humanitarian work as such. In the 2013 referendum on our political status, 99.8 per cent of Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British Overseas Territory, on a turnout of approximately 92 per cent, in a vote independently monitored by international observers."FIFA themselves reacted on Thursday, saying: "As is standard procedure, FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps."Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consent