Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy found himself at the center of a diplomatic scandal after comments about the French national football team provoked sharp reactions from French and Spanish politicians on July 12.
In an article for the Spanish newspaper El Debate, Rajoy wrote: “This is a very high-level team. Of course, without the French,” hinting at the African origin of several players.
The remarks drew condemnation from representatives of leftist parties in France and Spain. French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel labeled the comments “blatant racism,” while Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, head of the European Affairs committee in the French National Assembly, called them “a grave insult to the French team and the country.”
Spain’s ruling Socialist Workers’ Party described Rajoy’s statements as “shameful” for the former prime minister.
Rajoy served as Spain’s prime minister from December 2011 to May 2018. His remarks were made on the eve of the July 14 World Cup match between France and Spain.
The upcoming tournament has already been marred by international conflicts, stories surrounding participants, and fan discontent. On July 6, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla racially insulted Kylian Mbappé, the French national team striker, following Paraguay’s defeat in their competition. She later demanded an apology from Mbappé after he referred to her as “a despicable woman” during correspondence. The Senate of Paraguay condemned Amarilla’s statement on July 9 and expressed its absolute rejection of racism and discrimination.
