The International Football Federation (FIFA) has put an end to the controversy surrounding the Argentine national team's display of a banner declaring that "the Falkland Islands are Argentine," after giving Argentina the green light to show the flag again if they win the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday against Spain.

British network Sky Sports revealed that the world football governing body gave its approval, believing that Argentine players are allowed to express their opinions, according to task force chairman Andrew Giuliani, despite FIFA regulations prohibiting any political demonstration in stadiums during tournaments it organizes.

The Argentine national team had sparked widespread controversy after raising a banner on the field declaring that "the Falkland Islands are Argentine" following its victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, in a clear violation of FIFA regulations.

United Kingdom Demands Full Investigation

Since last Wednesday, the banner incident has taken a political turn, with the United Kingdom calling for a full investigation into the matter, while Argentine President Javier Milei stated that he understands his players' position.

The Falkland Islands, a British archipelago located 600 kilometers off the Argentine coast, remain a sensitive issue in relations between London and Buenos Aires, which have been disputing sovereignty over them for decades.

In 1982, a bloody war broke out between the two countries following the Argentine invasion of the archipelago, and British forces recaptured the Falkland Islands after 74 days of fighting, resulting in heavy losses: 649 Argentine and 255 British deaths.

Milei Changes Stance, Backs Players

Argentine President Javier Milei initially appeared to downplay the situation, saying on Wednesday: "Let's not blow things out of proportion. The Falklands will be recovered through wise diplomacy, not through cheap nationalist gestures."

But Milei quickly changed his position and declared his full support for the players, explaining that the feeling towards the Falkland Islands "is a feeling shared by all Argentines, and they have every right to express it."

The head of state affirmed: "Indeed, the Falkland Islands are Argentine, and we will recover them, but we will do so diplomatically and wisely in our moves," a statement that reflects the delicate balance between supporting the players and maintaining diplomatic relations.