WHO director reacts to scandal between Mbappé and senator
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Tedros, director of the WHO, describes the comments of the Paraguayan senator towards Kylian Mbappé as unacceptable and demands an apology, while the UN had already commented on the affair that occurred after the France-Paraguay match in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla's comments against Kylian Mbappé provoked a strong reaction from the WHO, highlighting the importance of human dignity in sport. This scandal comes against the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup, where tensions between teams can exacerbate rivalries and inappropriate behavior. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' response highlights the need for increased responsibility of public figures in the fight against racism and hatred.
Key points
- The director of the WHO reacts to the scandal between Mbappé and the senator.
- Tedros, director of the WHO, describes the comments of the Paraguayan senator towards Kylian Mbappé as unacceptable and demands an apology, while the UN had already commented on the affair that occurred after the France-Paraguay match in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
- Килиан Мбаппе remains central to Selección de France's plans.
, it is not a character trait and it is not a justification linked to “where we come from”. This is a fundamental violation of human dignity, period. Public figures, especially elected officials, have a special responsibility: to reject hatred and not to justify it. Mbappé deserves an apology, like all people targeted by this type of attack. Human dignity for all is not a slogan. It's a commitment. »
This reaction from the head of the WHO comes in the wake of a political-media episode triggered after the round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup between France and Paraguay. According to reports, Celeste Amarilla publicly criticized Kylian Mbappé, accusing him of not having shaken the Paraguayan goalkeeper's hand after the match. His comments, described as insulting in several media, sparked a wave of international reactions.
The case then took a more tense turn: the French player provided a response to these accusations, and the senator threatened Mbappé with criminal prosecution by evoking a precedent linked to the former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho. The exact nature of the threats and the legal grounds put forward by Amarilla have been the subject of public comment and significant media attention.
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Furthermore, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had already issued a press release on this matter, calling for measured management and respect for the rights and dignity of everyone. The joint intervention of international organizations reflects the scale taken by an incident initially centered on a sporting gesture.
On a sporting level, the affair raises broader questions: the role of public figures in the debate, the impact of declarations on the reputation of players and national teams, and the need to preserve respect in exchanges between football players. In his message, Tedros insists on the particular responsibility of elected officials and public figures not to legitimize hatred.
At this point, demands for an apology remain at the heart of the claims against Senator Amarilla. The affair continues to evolve on the media and diplomatic level, and it fuels an international debate on the border between political criticism and discriminatory remarks.
Image: the photo associated with this file illustrates the controversy surrounding the exchanges after the France-Paraguay match.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between Mbappé and the Paraguayan senator?
Kylian Mbappé was criticized by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match, accusing him of not shaking the Paraguayan goalkeeper's hand.
Who confirmed the accusations against Mbappé?
The accusations against Kylian Mbappé were made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.
Why did the WHO director's reaction come now?
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' reaction came following public attacks and criticism aimed at Kylian Mbappé, which sparked a wave of international reactions.
What changes have been caused by this situation?
The situation led to a response from Kylian Mbappé to the accusations and threats of criminal prosecution from Senator Amarilla.
What was the content of the message from the WHO director?
Tedros denounced racism and called for rejecting hatred, saying Mbappé deserves an apology and that human dignity must be respected.
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