Argentinian footballers based in England pay for a third of UK’s Falkland’s defence | UK | News
Some of the Argentinian team held up a banner that translated as Falkland Islands are Argentina. (Image: Getty)
Members of the Argentine team had the pleasure of breaking British hearts by unfurling a banner about the Falkland Islands at the World Cup. The current and former Premier League stars were photographed holding a banner reading “Son of Las Malvinas is Argentinian”, meaning “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”, following their 2-1 semi-final victory over Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions in Atlanta.
The move sparked outrage in England, with Downing Street calling on FIFA to investigate whether Albiceleste players had broken the rules by displaying the message supporting Buenos Aires’ claim to the Falkland Islands. Around a quarter (six) of Argentina’s 25-man squad are currently plying their trade in England. They apparently make a very healthy contribution to Britain’s defense of the Falkland Islands through taxes on their eye-popping salaries.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero was among the Argentine players carrying the banner (Image: Getty)
The Express estimates that Premier League stars Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Senesi, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister pay a total of around £22.99 million in income tax and employee National Insurance to HMRC each year.
This figure is based on base salaries reported for the upcoming season and rough calculations.
The total amounts to around a third of Britain’s annual defense costs for the Falkland Islands; previously northwards the figure was estimated at £60 million.
Man United’s Lisandro Martínez (left) and former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso with a banner (Image: Getty)
Tottenham Hotspur captain Romero and his international centre-back partner Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez were among those photographed holding the controversial banner after victory on Wednesday evening.
Speaking after unfurling the banner, Martínez, 28, said: “I can imagine the Malvinas veteran seeing this and crying.
“I don’t know if there will be sanctions or not, but what they did was hang that banner and claim that the islands belong to us.”
The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic have been a British Overseas Territory since 1833, and the islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain so in 2013.
Political tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands have been ongoing for decades after the 1982 invasion by Argentine forces escalated into a short but bloody war.
The conflict lasted 74 days and claimed the lives of 907 people: 255 British military personnel, 649 Argentine military personnel and three Falkland Islanders.
Argentina maintains its sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands.
A Downing Street spokesman said on Thursday morning: “The World Cup may not be ours but the Falkland Islands are certainly ours.
Argentine players celebrate their comeback against England late in the semi-final with a banner (Image: Getty)
“Our position has not changed. The right to self-determination belongs to the islanders.
“Our commitment to the Falkland Islands will never waver.”
The Falkland Islands government also expressed “disappointment” about the banner incident but added that it was “unfortunately not surprised”.
Argentinian players also referenced the Falkland Islands in their chants after previous victories in the World Cup qualifying round.
While the players sang “For the Malvinas, for Diego, for the last of Leo”, “Diego” referred to the legendary Maradona and “Leo” referred to the current talisman Messi.
Argentina are expected to face disciplinary action over the banner, which is believed to have come from fans near the field to the players.
34.3 of the tournament rules. The article prohibits players from displaying any political messages or slogans before, during or after the match.
A FIFA spokesman said: “As per standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing match reports and assessing the relevant circumstances before deciding on possible further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Rules.”
Argentina was fined by FIFA for unfurling a banner with the same slogan during a friendly match against Slovenia in 2014.
