The White House has defended Argentina’s World Cup players after they waved a banner claiming the Falkland Islands for Argentina, directly challenging Downing Street’s insistence that the islands are British.
After Argentina’s semi-final victory over England on Wednesday, players unfurled a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – “The Falklands are Argentine” – a move that could breach Fifa’s rules on political statements.
“White House defends Argentina's Falklands banner; Downing Street calls for Fifa investigation.”
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Fifa task force, said on Friday the team had “the opportunity and ability to make those statements” in the United States, citing First Amendment free speech protections. “We believe in our First Amendment rights here in the United States of America,” he told reporters.
His comments risk deepening a row that has already seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate. The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.” Number 10 added that any action against the players was “a matter for Fifa”, echoing the view of Business Secretary Peter Kyle that world football’s governing body should investigate.
The government of the Falkland Islands said it was “disappointed but not surprised” by the banner and hopes Fifa will “sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules”. In a statement it added: “We do not wish to see politics being brought into sport. Nor do we wish the Islands and their people to be used as a political football in every conversation about England and Argentina.”
Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel posted on X after the match, alongside a video of what appeared to be Argentine soldiers: “It wasn’t just another match. The Falklands are Argentine. They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.” Players also sang chants referencing the Falklands and Argentina greats Maradona.
The Falklands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic, remain subject to a sovereignty dispute. In a 2013 referendum, 1,513 of 1,517 votes cast – on a turnout of more than 90% – were in favour of remaining a UK territory.
As the fallout continues, Argentina prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, where US President Donald Trump is confirmed to attend. England take on France in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami.
