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Argentina could face punishment from FIFA over postgame politcal statemen on the pitch following their game against England.
Before their game, England was described as “invaders” and “usurping pirates” by Argentina’s vice president due to political tensions over Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, which caused a conflict between the two nations in 1982.
Via ESPN
“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates,” the translated post from Tuesday began.
“This isn’t just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it’s always something more.
“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’re going to claim what’s ours!”
Las Malvinas is Argentina’s name for the Falklands, which in 2013 held a referendum where islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a UK overseas territory.
🚨🇦🇷 NEW: The Vice President of Argentina has urged the national team “to claim what’s ours” and “put the brakes on the invaders” ahead of the England-Argentina Semi Final pic.twitter.com/iROxrjkEqH
— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) July 15, 2026
On Wednesday, Argentina defeated England 2-1 by scoring two late goals.
After the game, Argentinian players held up a banner saying “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”
Argentina players take banner from their fans and bring it onto the pitch, it read: "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian."
The moment happened after the team beat England in the World Cup semi-finals.
Read more: https://t.co/6VH3V6BYSE pic.twitter.com/As1dJbE4RM
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 15, 2026
🚨🇫🇰 PICTURED: Argentina’s players hold up a sign saying “Las Malvinas” are Argentine
This is factually inaccurate, as the Malvinas, officially named the Falkland Islands, are British pic.twitter.com/0Uy7ViRNFm
— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) July 15, 2026
According to FIFA’s rulebook, Argentina could face sanctions for displaying the political message on the pitch.
Via The Touchline
Law 4 (IFAB): Messages or images of a political, religious, or personal nature must not be displayed. If a player shows a shirt, garment, or holds up any item with such messages, the player and/or their team can be sanctioned.
FIFA has yet to release a comment on the situation.
British fans are not happy and want the Argentinian players sanctioned.
FIFA claims to have strict rules against political activism. If it is serious about enforcing those rules, every player involved in this stunt should be removed from the final. But of course, it won’t happen. https://t.co/HuP7eRrTFE
— Hans Mahncke (@HansMahncke) July 15, 2026