Michael Heseltine wanted Argentina kicked out of 1982 World Cup, says official papers #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

BRITAIN was ready to fight a diplomatic war with Argentina over the right to play in the 1982 World Cup, newly-released official papers reveal.

Heseltine wrote a Falklands memo[GETTY]

As British forces prepared to retake the Falkland Islands after Argentina’s invasion on April 2, ministers were concerned that England, Scotland or Northern Ireland could be drawn against the South Americans at the tournament in Spain.

But the declassified files – released just six weeks before the 2014 tournament kicks off in Brazil – show that Tory Cabinet minister Michael Heseltine insisted that if anyone was to pull out, it should be Argentina.

Margaret Thatcher and her Cabinet were worried about clashes between rival fans, while football authorities and some team members objected on principle to playing the enemy.

Mr Heseltine wrote in a memo: “I believe that ministers can continue to argue strongly that Argentina is the aggressor nation and that the onus of withdrawal lies in that direction and not with us.”

The documents released by the National Archives in Kew, London, are from May 1982 when Britain’s task force was sailing to recapture the Falklands.

Mr Heseltine, then responsible for sport as Environment Secretary, wrote a report warning of the “concern” at any fixture between a home nation and World Cup holders Argentina.

I believe that ministers can continue to argue strongly that Argentina is the aggressor nation and that the onus of withdrawal lies in that direction and not with us

Michael Heseltine

He said: “In Britain, some footballers/administrators have already expressed concern at playing in a competition with Argentina.”

He warned of provocation of British fans by Argentinians and the Spanish – who sided with the South Americans in the Falklands War.

He added: “Government pressure to withdraw is likely to be seen by the Spanish government and people as a gesture against Spain.”

Mr Heseltine warned that the three home Football Associations might then be banned from the 1986 World Cup and face heavy FIFA fines if they withdrew.

He said the Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations could be bankrupted.

“Withdrawal by UK teams would undoubtedly be greeted with pleasure in Argentina, who would regard it as a moral victory over the UK,” he said.

The Argentine forces eventually surrendered on June 14, the day after the tournament began.

Scotland went out in the first round and England and Northern Ireland were eliminated in the second – along with Argentina, featuring Maradona – without the need for the dreaded match.