Former Spanish leader criticised for comments about France’s World Cup team

MADRID (AP) — A former Spanish prime minister is facing criticism for saying that France’s World Cup team “does not have any French players,” which French and Spanish leaders have called racist.

Mariano Rajoy, a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, made the comment in a column for Spanish outlet El Debate ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal between the European neighbors.

“They’ve won every match they’ve played at this World Cup and are currently top of the FIFA rankings. They also have an exceptionally strong squad. That said, one thing they don’t have is any French players,” Rajoy wrote on July 10.