'Chimp-eating coconuts' without French players: Former Spanish PM's racist remarks about France team spark outrage in France
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been accused of making racist remarks about the French national football team.
- Rajoy reportedly mocked the team in a column, suggesting it lacked French players and was comprised of 'chimp-eating coconuts'.
- The comments have sparked controversy, with French officials condemning the remarks as unacceptable.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are marred by racism, this time involving former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
According to French media outlet RMC Sport, Rajoy penned a column for El Debate where he allegedly disparaged the French national football team. The former prime minister reportedly referred to the team as 'chimp-eating coconuts' and suggested it was not truly French.
The French sports ministry has strongly condemned Rajoy's alleged remarks. A spokesperson stated, "We absolutely cannot accept such comments." The controversy comes amid ongoing discussions about racism in football, particularly concerning national teams with diverse players.
Rajoy, who served as Spain's prime minister from 2011 to 2018, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The incident has drawn widespread criticism, highlighting persistent issues of xenophobia and prejudice within sports commentary.
We absolutely cannot accept such comments.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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