Infantino Denounces Racist Comments Targeting Mbappe
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned racist remarks directed at France captain Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, reaffirming football's commitment to combating racism and ensuring the sport remains an inclusive space for all. In a post shared on his Instagram Story, Infantino emphasized that football has demonstrated its power to unite people throughout the ongoing FIFA World Cup and stressed that there is no place for racism in the sport or society.
"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," Infantino wrote. In another Instagram Story, the FIFA chief unequivocally condemned the remarks made against Mbappe and expressed solidarity with the France skipper. "I unequivocally condemn the racist remarks made against Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla. The entire football world and society stand in solidarity with the France captain: we must fight racism and defeat it together," Infantino said.
Macron and Paraguayan Government Respond
French President Emmanuel Macron also backed Mbappe, stating that he has 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 posted on X (formerly Twitter). The Paraguayan government issued a statement deploring and rejecting Amarilla's statements, calling them contrary to the values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity. The statement clarified that Amarilla's remarks represent her individual responsibility and not the position of the Paraguayan government or people.
Amarilla's Controversial Remarks
The controversy began when Senator Celeste Amarilla called Mbappe a "colonised Cameroonian" who is "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly." She also claimed France "won by a fluke" and that Mbappe was "nervous and scared to death the whole match, like his entire team." Mbappe responded by calling her a "despicable woman" unworthy of her position. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the football community and political leaders, reinforcing FIFA's ongoing anti-racism campaign.
