The UK has strongly reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following an incident where Argentina players displayed a banner referencing the territory after a football match. The prime minister's official spokeswoman stated, "Our position is unchanged, self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver." She added that any action against the players was a matter for FIFA.

This dispute stems from the 1982 war over the islands, which are a UK overseas territory. In a 2013 referendum, the islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain British. Politicians from various parties condemned the banner, with some calling for FIFA to investigate. Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty told MPs, "We have absolutely no doubt about our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and the surrounding maritime areas."

The incident occurred after Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. Argentina's vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, posted on social media that "The Falklands are Argentine." Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, had previously stated he would not mix football and politics, calling the war a "sad period in our history."