Paraguay legend Jose Luis Chilavert has been labelled a “disgrace” by French Football Association (FFF) chief Philippe Diallo for “racist” comments made towards France before their World Cup 2026 last 16 clash.
The former Paraguayan goalkeeper said that his national team would face a “squad from Africa” in the World Cup tie in Philadelphia.
The 60-year-old has shared a screenshot on social media of comments he attributed to former French forward Christophe Dugarry, which stated that Paraguay would get hammered by Les Bleus.
“Christophe, you’re right. In 1998 we faced the French and now PY will face a squad from Africa,” Chilavert said.
The pair faced off against each other at the 1998 World Cup when France played Paraguay in the round of 16, with Les Bleus running out 1-0 winners before winning their first world title in the final against Brazil.
And Diallo responded on X, releasing a statement: “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. “
France ran out 1-0 winners in this year’s last 16 tie after a Kylian Mbappe penalty, which was awarded after a lengthy VAR check following a foul from Diego Gomez on Desire Doue.
There was bad blood between the sides on the pitch, with Paraguay’s rough tactics leading to a number of fouls on French players, which controversially warranted zero yellow cards.
Joe Hart, working as a pundit for BBC Sport, described Paraguay’s tactics for the game as “disgraceful,” while Didier Deschamps could be seen ushering Mbappe away from a confrontation at full-time to avoid any disciplinary risk.
France now face Morocco at the Boston Stadium on 9 July after the Atlas Lions beat co-hosts Canada 3-0.
Reuters contributed to this report.
