In particular, players with immigrant backgrounds, as well as the French team, have repeatedly been the target of racist comments from politicians in recent days. The conservative former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy ranted about a “squad without any French players,” thereby denying Black players like Mbappé, Dembélé, and Doué—all of whom were born in France—their rights as citizens.
Immediately after Paraguay’s loss to France, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla hurled racist insults at star forward Kylian Mbappé (“the most educated thing he’s ever heard were chimpanzees”). Chants by Argentine fans mocking the multi-ethnic makeup of the French team also made the rounds on social media. Furthermore, Argentine fans behaved in a racist manner during the match against Cape Verde. After the Netherlands’ elimination by Morocco, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville became the targets of hateful comments following their missed penalty kicks.
In addition to overt forms of discrimination, this World Cup has also exposed structural racism, which has led to the exclusion of half a continent. Of the 39 countries affected by the U.S. government’s stricter entry regulations under President Trump, 26 are in Africa. Fans and journalists from Senegal and Ivory Coast were effectively barred from entering the country. Somali FIFA referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the U.S. altogether.
Racism in sports is a violation of fundamental human rights, which jeopardizes the integrity of athletic competitions and the well-being of participants. To eliminate it, a strict zero-tolerance policy, consistent enforcement of guidelines, and ongoing educational efforts are necessary to combat both systemic and overt racial discrimination.
We must stop justifying racism with “emotions.” What is often dismissed as “fun” can in reality be deeply humiliating—it reinforces stereotypes, undermines self-confidence, and creates an environment where people feel unsafe. This isn’t just about language—it’s about behavior, attitudes, and the structures that allow them to persist. We must challenge the mindset that views discriminatory behavior as harmless. Every coach, every manager, and every teammate has a responsibility to speak up when boundaries are crossed—because silence is complicity.
Soon the World Cup spectacle will be over, and everyday football life will resume. What can we learn from these incidents? Sports must actively combat racism even outside of major events. This means going beyond mere statements and training sessions to ensure concrete accountability: setting standards, monitoring progress, and taking decisive action when racism occurs. Every sports federation should ask itself how transparent it is when discrimination occurs.
Representation without accountability is a sham. True inclusion requires anti-racist leadership—leaders who are willing to step out of their comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and redesign systems to ensure justice.
The fairplay Team
