Amarilla Accuses FIFA of Orchestrating Controversy
Paraguay Senator Celeste Amarilla has defended her public exchange with France captain Kylian Mbappe, asserting that it was a personal matter that was unnecessarily escalated into an international controversy. She alleged that FIFA, rather than either herself or Mbappe, was behind the escalation, accusing the governing body of exerting political influence and interfering in national affairs.
“This was between Mbappe and me. Here, France was never discussed, ever. No one sends me to speak. When I speak, I speak for myself. How did it reach that level of worldwide concern? This isn’t about Mbappe, nor is it about me. This is FIFA, a de facto power behind political power, always. Here, Mbappe and I are just two pieces on the grand chessboard of power,” Senator Celeste Amarilla said, as per ABC Cardinal 730 AM radio station.
Criticism of CONMEBOL and Paraguayan Government
Amarilla also criticized CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez, calling him a “lackey” and accusing him of playing a role in the controversy. She argued that Paraguayan President Santiago Pena should have clarified that her remarks reflected her personal views as an opposition senator, not the position of the Paraguayan government, stressing that the issue was not a bilateral dispute between Paraguay and France.
“It’s FIFA that’s behind it. It’s not me. It’s not Mbappe. It’s the mafia, it’s that perverse plan to meddle in politics. They’re dying to become politicians. Alejandro Dominguez played the role of a lackey. There’s total cynicism. Derlis Maidana was scandalized by my perverse statements. They don’t remember when they used to call the U.S. ambassador ‘gay’,” Amarilla added.
Background of the Dispute
The remarks came after Amarilla called Mbappe a “colonised Cameroonian” and “pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly”. She also said that France “won by a fluke and Mbappe was nervous and scared to death the whole match, like his entire team.”
Mbappe responded by calling her a “despicable woman” who is unworthy of her position. French President Emmanuel Macron backed Mbappe, saying he had scored “another goal” against racism. “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity. @KMbappe,” Macron said.
Paraguayan Government Distances Itself
The Paraguayan government issued a statement deploring and rejecting Amarilla’s remarks. “The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the statements made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team. These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes,” said the statement.
It added that the remarks correspond exclusively to her individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch and in no way represent the position of the Paraguayan government or the Paraguayan people.
FIFA President Condemns Racism
FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the racist remarks, reaffirming football’s commitment to combating racism. In a post on his Instagram Story, Infantino said, “Football has shown during this FIFA World Cup how it is such a powerful unifier in society – our sport must remain an inclusive and safe space for all and our efforts continue in order to kick the scourge of racism out from our beautiful game and society.”
