BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: President Javier Milei defended the Falklands banner displayed by national-team players as FIFA reviewed match reports before Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.
Milei said the players’ response was understandable because emotion had overtaken them. He described the sentiment behind the display as valid but said events on the pitch were separate from Argentina’s diplomacy.
The South American country would continue pursuing its sovereignty claim through diplomatic channels, Milei told El Observador radio on Thursday. He estimated that any financial penalty could reach US$30,000, although FIFA has not announced a sanction. La Nación reported his remarks.
FIFA said its independent disciplinary committee was assessing the match reports and relevant circumstances. The committee will decide whether to take further steps under the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA has not confirmed that formal proceedings have begun.
Argentina players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” or “The Malvinas are Argentine,” after their 2-1 semifinal victory over England in Atlanta on July 15.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed calls for FIFA to investigate the display. The Falkland Islands Government called the banner “particularly insensitive” and urged FIFA to enforce its rules against political messages in football. The Guardian reported both reactions.
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Argentina will face Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. The final will begin at 3 p.m. local time, or midnight Pakistan Standard Time on Monday, July 20, according to FIFA.
