Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing criticism in both France and Spain following remarks about the French national football team ahead of the World Cup semifinal between Spain and France. In an online text, Rajoy wrote that the French team has a very high-quality squad, but plays "without Frenchmen." El Mundo ↗
The remarks triggered sharp reactions from French politicians, who called them racist and unacceptable. Criticism also came from Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned Rajoy's words as xenophobic statements made at a time when both national teams are preparing to face each other. According to the reactions of French officials, the comments were an insult to both the national team and the country. Le Figaro ↗
Rajoy subsequently refused to respond to personal attacks from members of the Spanish government on social media. He stated that he did not want to lower himself to the level of some cabinet members. The dispute has thus gone beyond the sporting sphere and become a political issue between Madrid and Paris. France24 ↗
The case comes ahead of a closely watched World Cup semifinal, in which France will face Spain. The politicians' reactions suggest that the debate over Rajoy's words will accompany the match at least until it begins, and may continue afterward depending on the result and further statements from both countries. Tagesspiegel ↗
Rajoy's remarks about France spark controversy ahead of World Cup semifinal
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies. Please verify information in the original sources below.
Sources (9)
Kritik an Spaniens Ex-Premier nach rassistischen Aussagen: Frankreich bei WM "ohne Franzosen"
Der Standard
| 21:59 12.07.
Vor WM-Halbfinale: „Von unerträglichem Rassismus“: Ex-Spanien-Premier in Kritik
Tagesspiegel
| 01:14 13.07.
Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft: Frankreich wirft Spaniens Ex-Ministerpräsidenten Rassismus vor
Die Zeit
| 22:23 12.07.
Fußball-WM: Das war die WM-Nacht: Kane verteidigt Tuchel, Hass im Netz
Tagesspiegel
| 05:02 13.07.
Former Spanish PM’s racist comment about French team sparks backlash
Politico Europe
| 13:37 12.07.
Former Spanish PM accused of racism in remarks about French football team
The Guardian
| 19:39 12.07.
"Racisme crasseux" : Sanchez et des politiques français fustigent les propos de Rajoy sur les Bleus
France24
| 18:30 12.07.
Francia considera “racista” e “inaceptable” el artículo de Rajoy sobre la selección francesa
El Pais
| 17:02 12.07.
Pedro Sanchez fustige les «déclarations xénophobes» sur l’équipe de France de Mariano Rajoy
Le Figaro
| 16:50 12.07.
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