An Argentine war veterans federation has urged supporters to keep politics out of Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against England, saying the match should not become a platform for sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.
The April 2 War Veterans Federation issued the appeal on Monday before Argentina’s meeting with England in Atlanta. The two countries fought a brief war over the islands, known as the Falklands in Britain and the Malvinas in Argentina, in 1982. The conflict claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British military personnel.
The federation said the semi-final was “not an armed rematch nor historical compensation” and urged fans to honour those who died without promoting hatred or xenophobia.
“Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution,” the federation said.
“We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause.”
“The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact.”
The Falklands remain a long-running diplomatic dispute. Britain maintains sovereignty and a military presence on the islands, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through international forums, including the United Nations.
During the tournament, Argentina supporters and players have sung chants referencing the islands, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has also tried to lower the temperature around the fixture. He said there would be nothing beyond football at stake when the teams meet.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed that message on Monday.
“It’s two proud nations. The football will do its talking,” Pickford said.
The teams share one of the World Cup’s fiercest rivalries, highlighted by Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 quarter-final.
