Chilavert calls France 'African team' ahead of World Cup last-16 clash, triggering racism accusations
Former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert has provoked outrage by describing the French national team as an 'African team' before their World Cup round-of-16 meeting in Philadelphia.
The exchange
Ahead of Paraguay's World Cup last-16 match against France, former goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert responded to a dismissive comment by ex-French international Christophe Dugarry. Dugarry had told RMC Sport that Paraguay would suffer a 'crushing defeat', be 'overrun', and 'only defend because they can't do anything'. Chilavert, 60, replied on X: 'Christophe, you are right, in the 1998 World Cup we played against France and now Paraguay faces an African team.'
Christophe, you are right, in the 1998 World Cup we played against France and now Paraguay faces an African team.
Reaction and accusations of racism
The remark was immediately condemned as racist by French newspapers L'Équipe and Le Parisien, as well as by numerous social media users. Many players in the French squad have African heritage: Kylian Mbappé's father is from Cameroon, Brice Samba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while others like Marcus Thuram (born in Italy) and Michael Olise (born in England) also reflect the team's diverse backgrounds. It remains unclear whether Chilavert was specifically referencing the number of Black players in the Équipe Tricolore.
Paraguay will suffer a crushing defeat. They will be overrun. They will only defend because they can't do anything.
Chilavert's history of controversy
This is not the first time the former national keeper has drawn criticism for provocative statements. Recently, on Radio Rivadavia, he claimed that football is a field reserved exclusively for men. He has also sparked outrage with homophobic and transphobic remarks. Chilavert, who earned 74 caps for Paraguay and was known for his goal-scoring ability, was in goal when France eliminated Paraguay in the 1998 World Cup round of 16 with a golden goal in extra time.
The match
The two sides meet again on Saturday evening (23:00 local time) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The fixture is a rematch of that 1998 encounter, with France entering as heavy favourites.
