Spain ex-PM draws criticism with ‘xenophobic’ remark on French team

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked controversy by making a remark in an opinion piece that many deemed xenophobic towards the French national football team ahead of their World Cup semi-final match against Spain. Critics argue that his comments, which seemed to downplay the team's merit based on nationality, were inappropriate and divisive. This incident highlights the growing tensions and nationalistic sentiments that can overshadow international sports events, raising questions about the role of political figures in such contexts.