International race row erupts as Spanish ex-PM declares there are 'no French players' in France's World Cup squad

A former Spanish Prime Minister has sparked an international race row after declaring there are "no French players" in France's World Cup squad.

Mariano Rajoy made the controversial remark in a column published by Spanish outlet El Debate on July 10.

His comments came just days before Spain and France are set to meet in today's World Cup semi-final.

In his piece, Mr Rajoy praised France's tournament performance, noting they have won every World Cup match so far.

He also pointed to their position at the top of Fifa's world rankings.

"They also have an exceptionally strong squad... That said, one thing they don't have is any French players," Mr Rajoy wrote.

The comments sparked fury from both French and Spanish officials.

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Foreign Minister, hit back on Monday in an interview with French broadcaster BFM TV.

"France has no skin colour," Mr Barrot declared.

"Any contrary claim stems from stupidity, racism or a combination of the two."

Spain's current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, whose Socialist party governs the country, also condemned the remarks.

Writing on social media on Sunday, Mr Sanchez did not directly name his predecessor but clearly referenced the controversy.

"There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin color," he wrote.

"Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it. Playing football. Caring for our elders. Or opening businesses."

FRANCE - READ THE LATEST:

• Britons issued France travel warning as train stations in Paris set to close for national day
• British forces set to march in France's Bastille Day celebrations for first time in over 20 years
• Britons 'could die in 12-hour queues at border' thanks to EU's hated new system

The Spanish leader concluded his message with a sporting challenge to France.

"France, we'll see you in the semifinals. May the best one win and may racism lose."

Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, issued a strongly worded rebuke on Sunday.

He wrote: "Mariano Rajoy's remarks about the French team carry intolerable whiffs of racism.

"They also raise questions about the deplorable climate that gives rise to such sentiments."

Mr Diallo added: "Our players do not need a certificate of nationality from a former Spanish Prime Minister."

The row comes just days after French striker Kylian Mbappe accused Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla of racism after she described him as "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly" following her country's defeat to the two-time World Champions.

Ms Amarilla said Mbappe was a "colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to ⁠pass himself off as French".

The Real Madrid star responded by branding her "a despicable woman" who was "unworthy of your position".

"You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honor throughout the competition," he added.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter