Argentina kit man holds Falklands banner as squad risks repeating stunt at World Cup final

Argentina’s kit man Patricio Auber has publicly confirmed he is in possession of the Falklands banner that caused an international outcry following the team’s semi-final victory over England, with reports from Argentina suggesting it could be displayed again at Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

Auber posted an Instagram story showing the banner — which reads Los Malvinas son Argentinas (‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’) — alongside the caption: “To whom it may concern… It’s in good hands!” Argentine outlet La Nacion reported that the banner’s creators, whose identities have not been disclosed, were relieved it remained with the squad.

The banner was first displayed in the aftermath of Argentina’s dramatic comeback win over England on Wednesday, when midfielder Giovani Lo Celso picked it up from the edge of the penalty area after it had fallen from the stands. Lo Celso unfurled it with the assistance of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez — both of whom play club football in England — in front of celebrating Argentina supporters.

The message refers to the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina, which Buenos Aires disputes British sovereignty over and calls Las Malvinas. The display drew immediate condemnation in the United Kingdom, where many viewed it as an insult to the 255 British soldiers killed during the Falklands War in 1982. The UK Government responded on Thursday, stating: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”

Stadium authorities had banned banners referencing the Falklands conflict from the venue ahead of the match. FIFA confirmed its independent Disciplinary Committee is assessing the match reports and “considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps,” with a fine understood to be the most likely sanction for the players involved.

Despite that ongoing disciplinary process, reports from Argentina indicate there is a strong chance the banner could be produced again after the final. Argentina defeated England by coming from a goal down to score two late goals, and will face Spain on Sunday.