Ammon News - An Argentine war veterans federation called on soccer supporters to focus on football ahead of their World Cup semi-final against ​England rather than use the match as a platform to push ‌sovereignty claims over South Atlantic islands.

Argentina and Britain fought a short conflict over the islands known by the British as the Falklands and Argentines as the Malvinas in 1982, in which ​649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British combatants died.

The group said on Monday ​that the match was "not an armed rematch nor historical compensation," urging ⁠fans and the wider public to honour the memory of Argentine soldiers killed ​in the conflict 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 April 2 War Veterans Federation said in a statement.

"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."

Britain claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military ‌presence ⁠there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies including the United Nations.

During the World Cup, Argentina fans and players have been singing a chant referencing the islands, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi's bid to end ​his international career with ​a second World ⁠Cup title.

Argentina's players and coaching staff, however, have sought to cool rivalry talk ahead of Wednesday's match, with manager Lionel ​Scaloni saying there will be nothing more than soccer at ​stake when ⁠the two sides meet in Atlanta.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed his words on Monday, saying the semi-final was "just a game of football".

"It's two proud nations. The football will ⁠do its ​talking," Pickford told reporters.

Argentina and England share one ​of international soccer's most storied rivalries, marked by several high-profile World Cup meetings including the 1986 quarter-final ​that featured Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal.


Reuters