Former Spanish PM slammed over 'intolerable whiffs of racism' towards France team
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing backlash for claiming the French national football team lacks 'French players' due to the diverse backgrounds of its squad. French officials and political leaders have condemned the remarks as racist and ignorant.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding national identity, immigration, and racism in European sports and politics.
Kylian Mbappé is part of the French team, which Mariano Rajoy says doesn't have any French players. ( Getty Images: Mattia Ozbot )
Former Spain Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has found himself in hot water after claiming France's World Cup team "does not have any French players".
Rajoy's comments were heavily criticised by France's foreign minister, the French Football Federation and Spain's current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez.
France and Spain will meet in the World Cup semifinal at 5am AEST on Wednesday. ABC Sport will live blog the match.
Link copied Share Share article A former Spanish prime minister is facing criticism for saying that France's World Cup team "does not have any French players", which French and Spanish leaders have called racist.
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