The United Nations has condemned Paraguayan lawmaker Celeste Amarilla's 'racist and dehumanising' remarks about French football star Kylian Mbappe as 'despicable' and reflective of a broader issue of racism in sports. Amarilla, a member of the main opposition Liberal Party, called Mbappe a 'colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly'. She also accused the striker of being'scared to death' during France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup last-16 match.
UN's Strong Condemnation
UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan stated that Amarilla's remarks are 'despicable and, regrettably, not isolated'. He emphasized that public officials have a heightened responsibility to stand against racism, discrimination, and hate speech in their discourse.
Broader Phenomenon
Kheetan noted that reports of racist incidents during the FIFA World Cup 2026 reflect a wider phenomenon across football and sports more broadly. He called on states and sports organizations to actively work to prevent acts of racism and ensure there are independent and effective accountability mechanisms in place.
Social Media Responsibility
Kheetan also highlighted the responsibility of social media companies to prevent and address racial discrimination and xenophobic abuse on their platforms.
Condemnation from Paraguay and FIFA
Paraguay's foreign ministry condemned Amarilla's remarks, stating they run 'contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity'. Mbappe himself labelled Amarilla 'not worthy of her position', and FIFA president Gianni Infantino 'unequivocally condemned' the racist abuse directed at the Real Madrid forward.
Significance for Bangladesh
This incident underscores the global nature of racism in sports and the need for a collective effort to combat it. For Bangladesh, which has a growing interest in international football, it highlights the importance of promoting respect and fair play in sports culture. The incident also emphasizes the role of public officials and organizations in setting a positive example and fostering an inclusive environment.
