'No French players in France ': Ex-Spain PM's remark sparks racism row

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked outrage after saying France's football team had "no French players" ahead of the World Cup semi-final. Leaders in Spain and France condemned the remarks as xenophobic and racist. France defended the diversity of its national team, stressing all players are French citizens and should be judged by talent, not their background.

Jul 14, 2026 - 00:30
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'No French players in France ': Ex-Spain PM's remark sparks racism row
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked outrage after saying France's football team had "no French players" ahead of the World Cup semi-final. Leaders in Spain and France condemned the remarks as xenophobic and racist. France defended the diversity of its national team, stressing all players are French citizens and should be judged by talent, not their background.

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