Argentina team is in trouble after the victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals. Players waved ‘Falkland Islands’ political banner, which is a breach of FIFA rules. Now the team is at risk of ban and fine.
Atlanta: After the spectacular victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals, Argentina’s team is embroiled in a major controversy. The team is facing the threat of strict disciplinary action from FIFA. The reason is to show a political banner on the field after the match, which is related to the decades-old ‘Falkland Islands’ dispute. In this exciting match held in Atlanta, Argentina defeated England 2-1 and made it to the finals, but the celebration of victory could prove costly.
As soon as the match ended, Argentinian midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi waved a banner received by the fans on the field in front of everyone. The banner read in Spanish ‘Las Malvinas son Argentina’, which means ‘The Falkland Islands belong to Argentina’. Interestingly, Lo Celso has previously played for Tottenham and Otamendi for Manchester City in the English Premier League. FIFA and the International Football Association Board’s rules strictly prohibit the display of political, religious or personal slogans and symbols of any kind during or after any match.
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What do FIFA rules say?
According to FIFA rules, there should not be political, religious slogans, statements or pictures on players’ jerseys or any other items. If any player or the country’s football association breaks this rule, the tournament organizers or FIFA can take strict action against them. Under this rule, Argentine players may be banned from the final match or the entire team may be fined heavily.
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Argentina’s Vice President challenged
This matter has now become more diplomatic than sporting. Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel has further fueled the matter by challenging FIFA. “The Falkland Islands belong to Argentina. They banned carrying the banner on the field, but they forgot that it is in our blood and hearts,” he wrote on social media platform
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What is the ‘Falklands dispute’?
The Falkland Islands are a group of islands located about 480 kilometers off the east coast of Argentina, which are currently under British occupation. Argentine people call it ‘Las Malvinas’. Both countries have been claiming their rights on this island since the 19th century. In 1982, Argentina’s military government tried to capture the island, leading to the fierce 74-day ‘Falklands War’ between the two countries. Argentina had to face defeat in this war and 649 of its soldiers were killed, while 255 soldiers of Britain lost their lives. This historical and political enmity has now reached the World Cup field.