White House BACKS Argentina players in row over Falklands banner after World Cup semi-final win over England
Donald Trump’s World Cup chief has backed Argentina in a row over the South Americans’ Falkland Islands flag.
Argentines started a row with political figures in the UK by displaying a sign reading ‘Malvinas are Argentinians’, the term used in Britain for the South Atlantic islands.
The banner featured Premier League stars Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez celebrating after Lionel Messi and Co’s 2-1 victory over the Three Lions in Atlanta.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle demanded a FIFA investigation into the matter, prompting a furious backlash in London, before Sir Keir Starmer publicly backed the calls.
But now Andrew Giuliani, head of the US president’s White House FIFA task force, has sided with Argentina.
He told reporters in Washington today: ‘We believe in our First Amendment rights here in the United States of America.
Donald Trump’s World Cup chief Andrew Giuliani backs Argentina in Falkland Islands row
After defeating England in the World Cup semi-final, Argentina unfurled a banner saying ‘Malvinas are Argentines’, the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.
‘And in terms of the ability and opportunity to make a statement, (Argentina) has the ability to do that in the United States.’
FIFA’s rules prohibit the use of any political messaging at the World Cup, but FIFA has previously ignored actions that could be deemed to violate its rulebook. He was seen singing a song about Argentina’s 1982 conflict and sharing it on social media.
It is not yet known whether any FIFA investigation will be concluded and whether any possible penalties will be imposed before Sunday’s final against Spain. Daily Mail Sport called for clarity from FIFA.
A FIFA spokesman said: ‘As standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on possible further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Rules.’
A spokesman for Starmer said: ‘The World Cup may not be ours but the Falkland Islands are certainly ours. Our position has not changed. The right to self-determination belongs to the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.
‘More generally, possible action is a matter for Fifa, but it has been a fantastic World Cup and we have said all along that politics should stay out of football.’
Asked who Starmer would support, the spokesman added: ‘The Prime Minister wishes good luck to both teams in the final, especially Spain.’
Speaking to the BBC, Kyle described the banner as ‘an appalling breach of the rules of not engaging in political activity as part of football’.
Argentinian President Javier Milei later entered the debate and declared that his government was ‘getting closer every day’ to regaining sovereignty over the islands.
He wrote of
A total of 907 people died after Argentina invaded the islands in 1982 and was subsequently removed by British forces.
President Donald Trump will attend Spain’s match against Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday
It was announced that Trump will attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.
The President has not featured in any of the previous 102 matches played this summer, but has long been expected to attend the final.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinted last month that Trump would present the trophy to the winner, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to confirm or deny whether the rumor was true.
It has become a tradition for heads of state to attend the World Cup trophy presentation. In the last finals, he accompanied Qatar’s Emir Infantino on stage after Argentina’s victory, while four years ago Vladimir Putin placed gold medals on the shoulders of the French players who beat Croatia.
And just last year Trump stunned Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Reece James by including them in the Club World Cup celebrations.
The political figure stood right next to James as he lifted the trophy, causing confusion among the Blues squad.
“They had told me before that he was going to present the trophy and then walk off stage,” James said afterwards. ‘I thought he was going to walk off stage but I guess he wanted to stay.’
Trump traveled from Washington to New York earlier today and will attend the FIFA reception at Trump Tower tonight.
The president’s relationship with Infantino has been one of the most controversial talking points of this summer’s World Cup.
Trump requested a ‘review’ from FIFA after US striker Folarin Balogun received a red card, meaning that he would miss his country’s match against Belgium in the last 16 rounds.
Days later, it was announced that the striker’s suspension had been lifted, but the USA lost 4-1 to Belgium the next day.
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