Philippe Diallo (FFF) strongly condemns José Luis Chilavert after racist remarks targeting the Blues
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Philippe Diallo vigorously denounced the racist remarks made by José Luis Chilavert against the Blues before the France-Paraguay clash in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. An incident which recalls the importance of the values of respect in French football.
The tension was palpable before the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia. Former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert caused outrage by calling the French team the “African selection” in a post on social media. Priding himself on a conversation attributed to ex-French international Christophe Dugarry, Chilavert made this remark after Dugarry allegedly claimed that Paraguay was going to be swept aside by the Blues: “Christophe, you are right. In 1998 we faced France, and this time Paraguay will face a selection from Africa. »
Faced with this exit deemed racist, the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, reacted firmly on »
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The resentment between the two nations is not new: Chilavert and Dugarry faced each other during the round of 16 of the 98 World Cup, won by France before winning its first world title against Brazil.
On the ground, this year again, tension was felt. The Blues won 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Kylian Mbappé, obtained after a long consultation with the VAR for a foul by Diego Gomez on Désiré Doué. The Paraguayans played a muscular game, committing numerous fouls on the French players, without receiving the slightest yellow card. Joe Hart, a consultant for the BBC, described Paraguay's attitude as "shameful". Didier Deschamps, aware of the surrounding nervousness, had to hold back Kylian Mbappé after the final whistle to avoid any disciplinary excesses.
France now continues its journey and will face Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 9, after the clear victory of the Atlas Lions 3-0 against Canada, co-organizing country.