Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing widespread accusations of racism following his assertion that France's World Cup squad 'does not have any French players'. The remarks, published in a column for the Spanish newspaper El Debate on 10 July, have drawn sharp condemnation from senior figures in both France and Spain, just hours before France is due to face Spain in the World Cup semi-final.
Mr Rajoy, a member of Spain's conservative Popular Party who served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2018, wrote: "They’ve won every match they’ve played at this World Cup and are currently top of the Fifa rankings. They also have an exceptionally strong squad. That said, one thing they don’t have is any French players." This incendiary statement has been interpreted by many as a thinly veiled attack on the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the French national team.
The response from Paris was immediate and forceful. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Monday that "France has no skin colour. Any contrary claim stems from stupidity, racism or a combination of the two." Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, echoed these sentiments on X, describing Mr Rajoy's comments as carrying "intolerable whiffs of racism" and questioning the "deplorable climate that gives rise to such sentiments."
Spain's ruling Socialist government also denounced the comments. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, without directly naming his predecessor, posted on X on Sunday, emphasising that "There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin color. Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it." Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares further urged the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to publicly disavow Mr Rajoy's statements.
This is not the first instance of the French team facing racially charged remarks during the current World Cup tournament. Earlier this month, French captain Kylian Mbappé criticised Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for comments concerning his origins, upbringing, education, and appearance, following France's victory over Paraguay in the round of 16. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing concerns about racism within football and broader society.
The controversy provides a tense backdrop to today's highly anticipated World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain, taking place in Dallas. The winner of this encounter will progress to face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final, adding another layer of significance to the sporting rivalry amidst the political furore.