Milei backs Argentina players over Falklands banner, dismisses FIFA fine as 'worst case'

Argentine president Javier Milei has thrown his full support behind the national squad after players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentina” — “The Falklands are Argentine” — during post-match celebrations following their World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.

The incident followed a dramatic comeback win in which Argentina overturned a 1-0 deficit. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Argentina dominated the second half, with Enzo Fernandez equalising from long range before Lautaro Martinez headed home a Lionel Messi cross seven minutes later to seal a place in Sunday’s final.

Milei was unapologetic in his response to the ensuing political storm. “The Malvinas are Argentine,” he said. “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.”

On the prospect of FIFA punishment, Milei was dismissive: “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 UK government has formally called on FIFA to investigate, arguing the banner constitutes a clear breach of regulations prohibiting political symbols and gestures at its tournaments. The Falkland Islands government has gone further, writing directly to FIFA to demand disciplinary action against the Argentine Football Association.

Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly member Jack Ford condemned the display in strong terms. “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,” he said. “We are disappointed, though regrettably not surprised, by this manner of action, as this is not the first such incident.”

Ford described the banner as a “clear political statement regarding the sovereignty” of the islands, adding: “The Falkland Islands are a diverse, self-governing, self-funding British Overseas Territory, and engage internationally in sport, science, and humanitarian work as such.”

FIFA has yet to confirm whether a formal investigation has been opened. Argentina face the prospect of disciplinary proceedings before their World Cup final appearance.