Philippe Diallo (foto: //)
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo condemned José Luis Chilavert after the Paraguayan legend described France as "an African team."
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The war of words sparked by José Luis Chilavert before France's World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay continues to escalate.
The latest response has come from French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, who strongly condemned the Paraguayan legend after he described France as "an African team" ahead of the knockout clash.
Diallo accused the former goalkeeper of making racist remarks and defended the values represented by the French national team.
"Chilavert was once a great goalkeeper, but today he has become a disgrace. He made a racist comment that I condemn in the strongest possible terms. He has insulted the values of the French national team, values built on diversity and respect," Diallo wrote on social media.
Chilavert's controversial statement came before the Round of 16 meeting between France and Paraguay, when he claimed Paraguay would be facing "a team from Africa," referring to the African heritage of many French internationals.
The comments immediately generated widespread criticism and reignited debate over identity, diversity and racism in football.
Chilavert remains one of the greatest figures in Paraguayan football history. The former goalkeeper was named the world's best goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) in 1995, 1997, and 1998.
In recent years, however, he has frequently attracted attention for controversial public statements.
He has repeatedly criticised Vinicius Junior, who has spoken out against racism in football, once telling the Brazilian: "Don't be a fool, football is for men."
Chilavert has also made controversial comments about the LGBTQ+ community and argued that modern football has lost part of its traditional culture because of excessive media attention.
More recently, he also targeted Kylian Mbappé, making offensive remarks about the France captain's private life, comments that prompted further criticism.
Diallo's response is the strongest reaction from French football authorities so far, ensuring that Chilavert's remarks will remain one of the most controversial off-field stories of this World Cup.