The French Football Federation (FFF) has issued a sharp rebuke of former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, condemning his recent remarks regarding the composition of the French national team.
In a statement released through president Philippe Diallo, the federation described the ex-leader's comments as an "intolerable whiff of racism," rejecting the implication that the squad lacks players with French origins.
The controversy emerges as the build-up to the 2026 World Cup semifinal between France and Spain intensifies.
Rajoy's statements, which suggested the French team did not include players native to the country, have sparked widespread criticism across European media.
The FFF's response underscores the sensitivity surrounding national identity and diversity in modern football, particularly as France's roster features a significant number of players with immigrant backgrounds.
This incident adds to a series of controversies involving discriminatory remarks during the tournament.