POLL: Should Argentina’s Premier League players be allowed back into England? | World | News
But it wasn’t the action on the ground that sparked international outrage. During the post-match celebrations, many Argentine players, including the Premier League’s leading stars, waved a banner reading “Argentinians, son of Las Malvinas” (Falkland Islands are Argentinians), distributed from the stands. This demonstration sparked a major diplomatic and sporting controversy. Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer firmly backed FIFA’s investigation into the incident, and Downing Street issued a stern reminder to Buenos Aires: “The World Cup may not be ours but the Falkland Islands certainly are.” Cabinet ministers branded the stunt a “serious breach” of rules separating sport from politics.
But what do YOU think? Should Argentinian Premier League players be allowed to return to England? Vote in the poll and share your opinions in the comments section below.
Several members of the Argentina squad play club football in the UK – earning millions from English fans as multimillion-pound club salaries are funded directly by TV subscriptions, match tickets and merchandise purchased by English fans – but in 1982 they actively participated in a demonstration that directly insulted the memory of the 255 British service personnel who died defending the islands against an illegal invasion.
While FIFA evaluates match reports for potential code of conduct violations, many fans are calling for tougher sanctions domestically. Critics argued that players who showed such blatant disrespect for the United Kingdom had no place in our domestic leagues and should be prevented from returning to club duties.
Others argued that international action should remain separate from domestic club football.
The outrage was sparked when the Daily Express revealed that Argentinian footballers living in the UK were paying roughly a third of the annual cost of the military garrison in the Falkland Islands; This is an important way for the UK to continue to assert the sovereignty of the region.
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.
