The battle between France and Paraguay began before the first whistle. José Luis Chilavert called France "a squad from Africa" ahead of the last-16 tie. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo accused him of racism
The battle between France and Paraguay began before the first whistle. José Luis Chilavert called France "a squad from Africa" ahead of the last-16 tie. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo accused him of racism
José Luis Chilavert posted a screenshot on social media of comments he attributed to former France forward Christophe Dugarry, who had suggested Paraguay stood no chance against France.
The 60-year-old, one of Paraguay's most recognisable footballers, replied by referencing the sides' shared history. "Christophe, you're right. In 1998 we faced the French and now PY will face a squad from Africa," Chilavert wrote.
The remark landed in the build-up to Paraguay's Round of 16 clash with France. Many members of the France squad, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, are the children of immigrants from Africa.
The French football federation president reacted swiftly. Philippe Diallo used a social media post to reject Chilavert's comments in blunt terms.
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the racist remarks made by José Luis Chilavert against the French national team, which undermine the values of respect, fraternity, and diversity in our football," Diallo wrote.
He added a personal rebuke of the former goalkeeper. "If he was once a great goalkeeper, this man has now fallen into disgrace," Diallo said.
Chilavert's message reached back nearly three decades. Dugarry was part of the France side that won the 1998 World Cup, a run that included a 1-0 win over Chilavert's Paraguay in the last 16.
That scoreline repeated itself on Saturday. France again won 1-0, this time to progress from the Round of 16.
Chilavert built his reputation as a goalkeeper who scored goals from free-kicks and penalties, and remains a prominent voice on football in his country. His comments drew condemnation from the head of French football before the two teams had even kicked off.
