Spain ex-PM draws criticism with ‘xenophobic’ remark on French team

Spain's conservative former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faced criticism at home and in France on Sunday (July 12, 2026) after saying the neighbouring country's national football team had "no French players".Also read | FIFA World Cup: Semifinals and final — schedule and timings in ISTThe comment, published in an opinion piece in Spanish online news site El Debate, came as Spain prepares to face France on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final.Spain's current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the remark as "xenophobic". FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe or Haaland — who will win?"There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin colour.

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