France has adopted a different approach to the World Cup in Qatar than most of its European rivals. While the likes of England, Denmark and Germany will virtue signal their disapproval of the Gulf State’s views on various issues, France is set to remain silent.
Their captain, Hugo Lloris, the Tottenham goalkeeper, has said he won’t be joining other European skippers in donning an anti-discrimination armband during the tournament. ‘When we are in France, when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar,’ explained Lloris. ‘I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect.’ It was a declaration that echoed that of Noël Le Graët, the president of the French Football Federation.
Are they their words, or those of their president? Emmanuel Macron is the unofficial cheerleader for Les Bleus, rarely missing an opportunity to show his support for the reigning world champions.
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