Ex-Spain PM Mariano Rajoy’s ‘no French players’ remark sparks racism row ahead of the World Cup semi-final. Read more about the controversy.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has drawn criticism after stating that the France national football team has “no French players.” This comment, published in an opinion piece, has ignited a racism controversy ahead of the World Cup semi-final match between Spain and France.
Rajoy, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2018, made the remark in an article for the Spanish news website El Debate. In his piece, he reflected on the upcoming semi-final, acknowledging France‘s strong performance in the tournament, including their status as a two-time world champion and a finalist in the previous World Cup. He noted their perfect record in the current tournament and their top ranking, alongside having a high-calibre squad. However, he then added the contentious statement about the absence of French players.
Widespread Condemnation from Political Leaders
The statement quickly drew strong reactions from political figures in both Spain and France, who labeled it as xenophobic and racist. Spain‘s current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, publicly condemned Rajoy‘s remarks. On social media, Sanchez wrote that some individuals still define belonging by factors such as surname, birthplace, or skin colour, while others measure it by one’s connection to a country and their willingness to contribute to it. He emphasized that Spain belongs to those who love and work for it, not to those who bring shame with xenophobic comments.
In France, the response was equally swift and forceful. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described Rajoy‘s comments as “absolutely unacceptable,” asserting that such sentiments do not represent France, a country that embraces diversity and allows everyone to find their place. Minister against Discrimination Aurore Berge denounced what she called “repeated racist outbursts,” advocating for a return to a focus on talent in sports, free from other criteria.
Leaders from various French political parties also weighed in. Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel likened Rajoy‘s remarks to previous racist comments made by a Paraguayan senator regarding Kylian Mbappe, suggesting a pattern of “disgusting racism.” Overseas Territories Minister Naima Moutchou highlighted that similar racist obsessions and insults tend to resurface whenever Les Bleus achieve success. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure underscored that France is not defined by skin colour or religion, but rather as a political nation united by republican values.
French Football Federation and Embassy Respond
The French Football Federation president, Philippe Diallo, also criticized Rajoy‘s statement, characterizing it as having an “intolerable undertone of racism.” The French embassy in Madrid issued a direct response to the claim, clarifying that all players on the French team are French. The embassy stated that out of 26 players, 23 were born in France, and the three born abroad are also French citizens.
This controversy has overshadowed the lead-up to the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final. Political leaders on both sides have stressed the importance of judging players solely on their talent and not on their background. Pedro Sanchez concluded his social media post with a wish for the best team to win the semi-final and for racism to lose.
Read Also
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
