The UK government renewed its call this Thursday for FIFA to investigate whether Argentina’s national team violated regulations by displaying a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands—known in Spanish as Las Malvinas—after their 2-1 victory against England in the World Cup semifinal. The British government also reaffirmed its support for the islanders living in the South Atlantic archipelago.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the press, “The World Cup may not be ours, but the Falkland Islands certainly are.” She emphasized that the UK’s position remains unchanged: self-determination belongs to the islanders, who have been under British sovereignty since 1833. This stance is backed by a 2013 referendum in which 92% of Falkland residents voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

The UK government described Argentina’s protest as “inappropriate.” The spokesperson added that despite Argentina’s sovereignty claims, the UK’s commitment to the islands “will never waver.” Earlier, Science Minister Peter Kyle told BBC that the players’ gesture on Wednesday was “totally inappropriate” and stressed that “politics must stay out of football.” He urged FIFA to conduct a thorough investigation, reminding that one of the World Cup’s core principles is the separation of politics from sport.

The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son argentinas,” was displayed by Argentine players after their win on Wednesday, referencing the islands that sparked a war between Argentina and the UK in 1982.

Meanwhile, Argentine President Javier Milei asked not to conflate the football victory with the ongoing dispute over the islands.

Despite security measures by US authorities and FIFA banning fans from bringing political flags or symbols—including those related to the Malvinas—to the Atlanta stadium, the banner was somehow smuggled inside and handed to the players.

This incident highlights the enduring sensitivity around the Falklands/Malvinas issue, a topic that continues to evoke strong emotions on both sides, even in the context of global sporting events.