By Peace Udugba
The diplomatic row following France’s victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified, with Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla threatening legal action against France captain Kylian Mbappé unless he retracts remarks she described as offensive and issues a public apology.
Amarilla made the demand in an open letter released on Tuesday, a day after an exchange between the pair on social media following France’s Round of 16 victory over Paraguay.
The senator argued that Mbappé’s reported description of her as “a despicable woman” who is unfit for public office amounted to gender-based and political violence against a woman.
“Retract your statements, honour your French citizenship, and apologise.
Otherwise, I may pursue legal action for gender-based violence,” she wrote.
Despite her threat of legal action, Amarilla admitted that her own earlier comments directed at the French forward were inappropriate, explaining that they were made in anger after the match. She said she later deleted the posts after realising they contained insults she did not wish to promote.
According to the senator, the dispute should not be interpreted as hostility toward France, stressing that she has long admired the country and its people.
“The problem is between you and me. I have never said anything against France. On the contrary, I stand with France,” she stated.
Amarilla also accused Mbappé of displaying poor sportsmanship during and after the match. She alleged that the France captain disrespected Paraguayan players and goalkeeper Orlando Gill by ignoring an attempt to shake hands before celebrating in front of him after converting the winning penalty.
The controversy began after Mbappé scored the decisive spot-kick that sent France into the World Cup quarter-finals at Paraguay’s expense.
Television footage later showed Gill attempting to shake hands with the French captain before throwing the ball down in frustration after the gesture was ignored.
“I tried to shake his hand, but since he didn’t pay me any attention, I lost my temper,” Gill said after the match.
Reacting to the goalkeeper’s account on social media, Amarilla referred to Mbappé as “a colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French,” remarks that drew widespread condemnation and accusations of racism.
Mbappé responded on his X account by describing the senator as “a despicable woman” and accusing her of making openly racist comments.
The exchange has since attracted international attention, with French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly condemning Amarilla’s remarks while urging respect and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
