France FA to take legal action after racist abuse targeting Kylian Mbappé

The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced it will take legal action after France captain Kylian Mbappé was subjected to racist remarks by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.

In a strongly worded statement, the federation condemned the comments as “abhorrent and completely unacceptable” and confirmed it would refer the matter to the public prosecutor’s office.

The FFF’s response follows earlier condemnations from Mbappé himself, FFF president Philippe Diallo and France’s Minister for Digital Affairs, Marina Ferrari.

Federation condemns racist remarks

The controversy arose after Amarilla made offensive comments about Mbappé following France’s victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In its statement, the FFF described the remarks as a criminal offence and insisted those responsible must be held accountable.

“The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé are abhorrent and completely unacceptable. How can anyone make such remarks? These remarks constitute a crime and must be condemned, and those responsible should be prosecuted here as well as elsewhere. Therefore, the French Football Federation will refer the matter to the public prosecutor’s office to take the necessary legal action.”

Full backing for Mbappé

The federation reaffirmed its full support for Mbappé, the French national team and all victims of racism and discrimination.

It added:

“The French Federation confirms its full support for its captain and players, and for all victims of such hateful statements in general.”

The FFF also reiterated its commitment to combating racism in football.

“The Federation remains more committed than ever to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. Such statements are offensive to those who make them and to those who promote them. The players of the French national team represent France, and therefore, insulting them is an insult to our country.”

France now turn their attention back to the World Cup, where Mbappé is expected to lead Les Bleus in their quarter-final against Morocco.

Kwaku Nii

Kwaku Nii is an experienced football writer with a strong background in African football reporting. He has spent over five years working as a freelance journalist, covering matches, transfers and key developments across the continent.He is university educated and has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the African game, supported by a wide network of contacts within the football industry.Kwaku brings valuable insight, consistency and on-the-ground perspective to his reporting, making him a trusted voice in covering African football stories.He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, where he contributes to delivering informed, engaging and reliable football content to a global audience.

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