The White House has refused to back British demands to ban Argentina players from Sunday’s World Cup final after they celebrated their semi-final win over England with a banner reading “The Falklands are Argentine” – as Spain defender Aymeric Laporte accused the defending champions of dirty tricks that could turn the final into “chaos”.
FIFA confirmed it is “assessing the match reports” after Argentina players held up the banner following their 2-1 victory at MetLife Stadium. The UK Government called for an investigation, with a spokesperson insisting: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.” Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey wrote to FIFA demanding the players be suspended for the final.
“US rejects UK calls to ban Argentina players over Falklands banner; Laporte warns of chaos in final.”
But according to Sky News, officials from President Donald Trump’s team have dismissed the calls. Trump’s World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, maintained Argentina were simply exercising their right to freedom of expression, citing the First Amendment – though that would not prevent sanctions under FIFA’s rules. FIFA has previously fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000 in 2014 for a similar banner before a friendly against Slovenia.
The political row adds to tensions before the final against Spain. Laporte told Marca: “Especially with Argentina; they’re a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents. That sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football – particularly in major competitions – because it can unsettle you and make you angry. It’s the referee’s job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn’t get out of hand. If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos.”
Spain captain Rodri urged his teammates to ignore any provocations. “I like to think they are a team that gives their utmost and they don’t go down that road, but if we enter such a stage of the game, we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations,” he said.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will take charge, with Laporte warning that much “depends on the officiating”.
Meanwhile, the behaviour of England fans in the US has been praised. The UK Football Policing Unit reported no violence or disorder involving England supporters in America, with only two arrests made in two weeks. Thomas Concannon of England’s Football Supporters’ Association said a research trip before the tournament helped set up a support network, adding: “Everyone has been so welcoming, and that leads to everything being trouble free.”
