Monday, June 6, 2026 -The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, has condemned remarks made by Paraguay football legend José Luis Chilavert ahead of France's Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing them as racist and a disgrace.
Chilavert, 60, sparked controversy after commenting on
social media that Paraguay would face "a squad from Africa" rather
than France, while responding to remarks he attributed to former France forward
Christophe Dugarry. "Christophe, you're right. In 1998 we faced the French
and now PY will face a squad from Africa," Chilavert wrote. The comments
referenced the two countries' previous World Cup meeting in 1998, when France
defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 before going on to win the tournament.
Reacting to the post, Diallo issued a strongly worded
statement on X, condemning Chilavert's remarks. “I condemn in the strongest
possible terms the racist remarks made by José Luis Chilavert against the
French national team, which undermine the values of respect, fraternity, and
diversity in our football.”
France secured a 1-0 victory over Paraguay national football
team in this year's Round of 16 after Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty awarded
following a lengthy VAR review for a foul by Diego Gómez on Désiré Doué.
The match was marked by several physical challenges from
Paraguay, with none resulting in a yellow card despite repeated fouls on French
players. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, working as a BBC Sport pundit,
described Paraguay's approach as "disgraceful", while France coach
Didier Deschamps was seen leading Mbappé away from a confrontation after the
final whistle.
France will next face Morocco national football team in the
quarter-finals after the Atlas Lions defeated Canada national football team
3-0.
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