A diplomatic and sporting row has intensified after Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla admitted that her comments targeting French football star Kylian Mbappé were racist but stopped short of offering a full apology.
The controversy began after France’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, when Amarilla posted a series of offensive remarks on social media referring to Mbappé as a “colonised Cameroonian” and mocking his background. The posts triggered widespread international condemnation and reignited discussions about racism in football and public life.
Speaking at a press conference, Amarilla acknowledged that her comments were racist but attributed them to her upbringing and insisted she would not fully apologise. She also rejected criticism from Mbappé and threatened legal action, claiming she could sue the France captain for what she described as “gender violence” after he publicly condemned her remarks.
Mbappé responded forcefully, describing the senator’s comments as “brazen racism” and calling her “a despicable woman” unworthy of public office. His response drew support from the French Football Federation (FFF), which has filed a criminal complaint with French prosecutors. Authorities in France have since opened an investigation into the alleged racist insults, despite the comments originating outside the country.
The incident has also been condemned by the United Nations Human Rights Office, the Paraguayan government, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed solidarity with Mbappé and praised him for standing against racism. Paraguay’s government stressed that the senator’s remarks do not reflect the country’s values of respect and human dignity.
The controversy has overshadowed France’s progress at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with many calling for stronger action against racism in football and greater accountability for public officials whose comments incite hatred or discrimination.
Leave a Reply