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UK calls for FIFA investigation over Argentina banner

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After the referee blew his whistle for fulltime at the end of Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal, Argentina players understandably celebrated their come-from-behind 2-1 win in injury time over their longtime bitter rivals England.

However, during the celebrations, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso waved to the fans and held up the banner, which read: “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”). It was unclear where ​the banner had come ⁠from, but there was a report that it had earlier been seen displayed in the stands.

“And they will always be Argentine,” midfielder Leandro Paredes told a reporter when asked about the banner.

“We were aware of what this match meant for the country. We tried to represent our nation and all those who lived through that sad moment in our history, so that they could identify with us and we could convey a positive image.”

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Apparent violation of FIFA rules

The banner would appear to be in violation of tournament organizer FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct, which bans “banners, flags, flyers, apparel and paraphernalia ⁠that ⁠are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature.” It was not clear what, if any sanction football’s global governing body might impose on the players.

The question of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands in the ​South Atlantic has long been a source of tension between Argentina, which calls them “Las Malvinas”, and the United Kingdom.

Ongoing diplomatic tensions

This tension spilled over into war in the spring of 1982, when the leader of Argentina’s then-military junta ordered an invasion of the islands. Britain responded by sending a military task force to the islands, located a few hundred kilometers from Argentina’s eastern coast. In a conflict that lasted just over two months and claimed the lives of more than 900 soldiers on both sides, Britain repelled the invasion and reasserted control of the Falklands. While the islands’ residents voted overwhelmingly in a 2013 referendum to remain British, Argentines still claim the territory is rightfully theirs.

UK expects FIFA to ‘investigate thoroughly’

In response to the actions of the Argentine players on Wednesday night, the United Kingdom has called for FIFA to act.

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UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that the behavior of the players was “entirely inappropriate” and that politics and football need to be kept separate.

“In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football,” he noted.  “That is now a matter for FIFA. I expect FIFA to do its investigation thoroughly.”

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi assisted on both goals that scuppered England’s hopes of making the finalImage: Agustin Marcarian/REUTERS

In the match itself, England had their hopes set on reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, when they last won the competition. The Three Lions took the lead in the 55th minute, but relinquished control and Argentina took advantage with two late goals, both assisted by Lionel Messi.

The 39-year-old superstar now has the chance to defend the World Cup title with Argentina. In his way stand Spain, who delivered a dominating performance in their 2-0 win over France in the first semifinal on Tuesday.

Edited by: Jonathan Harding

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’60 years of hurt are a big weight on English players’ shoulders’

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Lamine Yamal’s father reveals why he didn’t travel to the USA to support son at the FIFA World Cup 

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Lamine Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, recently revealed why he didn’t travel to the USA to support his son at the FIFA World Cup. Yamal made his World Cup debut for Spain this time and is set to play the final on July 19.

Despite not scoring more than once, Lamine Yamal has been one of Spain‘s standout stars in this World Cup. The Barcelona prodigy, who just turned 19, scored his first goal in the tournament against Saudi Arabia in the group stages and has started all of La Roja’s games except their debut 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde. Yamal started his World Cup campaign fresh off a hamstring injury, but is expected to play a major role in the final on Sunday.

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Speaking to reporters ahead of Spain’s clash against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final, Lamine Yamal’s father explained why he was unable to travel to the USA to support his son. He said (via Mercato Blaugrana):

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“I’m an epileptic. I have to take a lot of medication every day, and I can have an epilepsy seizure. I could be here, right now, under the effects of stress or emotion, and have a seizure without realizing it. So you always have to think things through carefully. Before traveling, you have to think about me, about him, and about all the people around us, you know? I might end up causing problems. So it’s better to stay home and watch all this from here.”

Throughout the FIFA World Cup, Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, and his half-brother, Keyne, have been spotted cheering for the youngster. His girlfriend, Inees Garcia, has also been spotted in all of Spain’s games, sporting Yamal’s shirt. Meanwhile, Yamal’s father has been vocal about his son’s performances on social media despite being absent from the stadiums.


When Lamine Yamal named Argentina as his preferred opponent in the FIFA World Cup final

Yamal - Source: GettyYamal - Source: Getty
Yamal – Source: Getty

After Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, Lamine Yamal told DAZN that he would like to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. The Barcelona superstar’s wish has been granted, as Messi’s side beat England 2-1 to make it to the final on Wednesday. Yamal said (via Fabrizio Romano):

“Facing Leo Messi in a World Cup final would be fantastic. I hope so.”

Messi’s Argentina was supposed to face Yamal’s Spain in the 2026 Finalissima earlier this year in March. However, the much-awaited clash was cancelled due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East amid the US-Iran war, since it was set to be held in Qatar.

Now, the massive clash is set to take place in the FIFA World Cup final. Messi could lead Argentina to a historic second World Cup, or Lamine Yamal could create history with La Roja by winning their second title. It’s all a matter of time now.