White House defends Argentina team's free speech over Falklands banner
The White House has defended the Argentine football team's right to free speech after players displayed a banner supporting the country's claim to the Falkland Islands. The UK government has called on FIFA to investigate.
The White House defended the Argentine national football team's free speech rights after they waved a banner proclaiming "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine) following their World Cup semi-final win against England. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA task force, stated on Friday that the team had the opportunity and ability to make such statements in the US, referencing First Amendment protections.
FIFA could impose disciplinary action as the banner may breach rules against political statements. The UK government backed calls for FIFA to investigate, with the Prime Minister's official spokesperson saying: "The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver."
The Falkland Islands government expressed disappointment and hoped FIFA would sanction such behavior, adding that they do not wish to see politics brought into sport. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory.
Argentina's Vice-President Victoria Villarruel posted on social media after the match, saying the Falklands are Argentine and that the players carry them in their blood. Argentina players also sang chants referencing the Falklands and football legends Maradona and Messi.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands led to a brief but bitter war between Argentina and the UK in 1982, lasting 74 days and resulting in 255 British military, 3 islanders, and 649 Argentine military deaths.
