Former Spanish PM accused of racism in remarks about French football team

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has ignited a firestorm of accusations of racism with his comments about the French national football team. In a column for the online newspaper El Debate, Rajoy questioned the nationality of the French players, stating they "don't have any French players" despite their success.

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It’s worth remembering that France has been a two-time world champion and was a finalist in the last World Cup. They’ve won every match they’ve played in this World Cup and are currently ranked No 1 in the Fifa rankings. They also have a top-level squad. That said, they don’t have any French players. And they’re playing very well. They’ll be a formidable opponent.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from Spain's current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who decried those who "still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin colour." Sánchez contrasted this with his own view of belonging based on contribution to the country, whether through work, business, or community engagement.

French officials also condemned Rajoy's statements. France's interior minister called the remarks "completely unacceptable" and contrary to the values of France as a country of diversity. The leader of the French Socialist party emphasized that the French national team comprises only French citizens, asserting that France is a political nation united by its republican motto, not an ethnic one.

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There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin colour. Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it. Playing soccer. Caring for our elders. Or opening businesses. Spain belongs to those who love it and work for it. Not to those who shame it with xenophobic statements.

Other French politicians echoed the condemnation, drawing parallels to a previous racist social media attack on Kylian Mbappé. They characterized Rajoy's comments not as mere "slips of the tongue" but as a manifestation of "methodical and normalised hatred of France." The French football federation, which had previously filed a complaint over similar remarks, was urged to pursue all legal avenues.

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That’s completely unacceptable. That’s completely not what France is about. France is a country of diversity where everyone can thrive and find their place.

In a concluding remark, Sánchez extended a cordial wish for the upcoming semi-final match, stating, "France, we’ll see you in the semi-finals. May the best team win and may racism lose."

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France is not an ethnic nation; it has no skin colour or religion. It is a political nation united around the republican motto – much to the chagrin of the racist right.