The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced that it is taking legal action against Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following what it described as racist and unacceptable comments directed at France captain Kylian Mbappé after the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash between France and Paraguay.
The controversy erupted after France secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia, with Mbappé converting the decisive penalty to send Les Bleus into the quarter-finals. Following the match, Amarilla published a series of posts on X containing racist insults aimed at the French forward, questioning his identity and making offensive remarks about his heritage. She also suggested that Paraguay’s players should have physically confronted him after the game.
Mbappé responded publicly, condemning the comments and describing the senator as “a despicable woman” who was unworthy of her public office. The Real Madrid forward said her remarks did not reflect the values of Paraguay or its people, praising the Paraguayan national team for their commitment and achievements during the tournament.
He also criticised the senator for using racism to overshadow the efforts of her country’s players, insisting that hatred and discrimination should never be tolerated in football or society.
The French Football Federation swiftly backed its captain, confirming that it will file a criminal complaint against Amarilla. In a strongly worded statement, the federation described her comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” adding that such remarks are criminal in nature and should be prosecuted wherever they occur.
According to the FFF, the insults were not only directed at Mbappé but also at France as a nation, since the striker represents his country on the international stage. The federation stressed that racism has no place in sport and vowed to pursue legal action to ensure accountability.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from Paraguayan authorities. The Paraguayan government distanced itself from Amarilla’s comments, stating that they were made in her personal capacity and do not represent the position of the government or the values of the Paraguayan people.
In an official statement, the government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for human dignity and the rejection of racism in all its forms.
Paraguay’s National Congress also criticised the senator’s remarks. Senate leader Basilio Núñez said the comments do not reflect the genuine values of Paraguayans, stressing that politics and sports should remain separate while condemning all forms of racism, xenophobia and incitement to violence.
French President Emmanuel Macron also received a message of support from the Paraguayan presidency, with Paraguayan President expressing solidarity with France and condemning the offensive statements.
The incident has once again highlighted football’s ongoing battle against racism, with football authorities and governments increasingly taking legal and disciplinary measures against discriminatory behaviour both on and off the pitch.
As the legal process begins, the French Football Federation has made it clear that it intends to pursue the matter through the courts, reinforcing its commitment to protecting its players from racial abuse and ensuring that discriminatory conduct is met with appropriate consequences.
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