The Federation of Argentine War Veterans has urged football fans to concentrate on the upcoming World Cup semifinal against England, rather than using the match as a platform for political statements regarding sovereignty over the South Atlantic islands.
In 1982, a conflict erupted between Argentina and Great Britain over control of the islands, referred to as the Falklands by the British and the Malvinas by Argentines. The war resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine military personnel and 255 British soldiers.
In a statement released on Monday, the veterans stressed that the match “is not an armed revenge or historical compensation,” and called for honoring the memory of fallen Argentine soldiers without inciting hatred or xenophobia.
Position on Sovereignty and Sports
“Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth, and the peaceful and consistent assertion of our claims, enshrined in the national constitution,” the statement from the Federation of Veterans of the April 2 War read. “We deem it necessary to draw a clear and steadfast line between sports passion and the national cause.”
The veterans added: “The ball rolls, pride in our colors multiplies, but memory remains untouched.” Great Britain controls the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claims through diplomatic channels, including the United Nations.
Calls Not to Politicize the Match
During the World Cup, Argentine fans and players have sung chants referencing the islands, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi’s aspiration to conclude his international career with a second World Cup title. Meanwhile, the players and coaching staff of Argentina have urged against politicizing the semifinal.
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, emphasized that it will be just a football match when the teams meet in Atlanta. England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, echoed this sentiment on Monday, stating that the semifinal is “just a football match.”
Source: Al Jazeera
