French Government Unlikely to Boycott Upcoming World Cup

No Current Plans for Boycott Amid Greenland Tensions

The French government has stated that it is not inclined to support a boycott of this summer’s World Cup in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial threats regarding Greenland, as conveyed by the country’s sports minister.

France is one of eight European nations that Trump has indicated might face tariffs for opposing his proposal to acquire Greenland, which is governed by Denmark.

Maintaining a Separation Between Sports and Politics

Marina Ferrari, the sports minister, emphasized, “Presently, there is no intention from the ministry to boycott this prestigious event.” She added, “I will refrain from making predictions about potential future actions, though I have indeed heard discussions from certain political groups.”

“I personally advocate for keeping sports distinct from political matters. The World Cup represents a significant occasion for sports enthusiasts.”

These comments came just before Trump announced that he is seeking “immediate negotiations” to purchase Greenland for reasons tied to national security without the use of military force. His interest in the mineral-rich territory has led to rising tensions with European allies.

Political Opinions and Denmark’s Participation

Earlier this week, Éric Coquerel, a left-wing politician in France, suggested that the nation should contemplate abstaining from the World Cup due to these geopolitical issues.

If Denmark’s team qualifies through play-offs, they could participate in the tournament, where 78 out of the 104 matches will be held in the U.S.

In a related statement, Erik Brogger Rasmussen, the chief executive of the Danish Football Association, remarked, “We are certainly mindful of the delicate circumstances at hand. Like many others, we are monitoring the situation closely. Our immediate goal is to secure victories in the two matches this March to qualify for the World Cup.”