Spain ex-PM draws criticism with ‘xenophobic’ remark on French team
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces widespread condemnation for xenophobic remarks regarding the French national football team. Current Spanish and French officials have denounced the comments as racist and divisive.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding national identity and racism in European sports and politics.
Spain's conservative former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faced criticism at home and in France on Sunday (July 12, 2026) after saying the neighbouring country's national football team had "no French players".
The article reports on the controversy by quoting multiple political figures from both sides of the issue, maintaining a balanced reporting style.
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