Mariano Rajoy refuses to apologise for "without French people" remark after Spain semifinal win

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has refused to apologise for comments about France's football team that were condemned as racist, writing a new article defending his remarks as a joke.

• Rajoy published an article titled "One must have a sense of humour" in El Debate, stating he will not apologise for his earlier comments.
• In an earlier article, Rajoy wrote that France has "a team of a very high level, but without French people," referring to the origins of most players.
• French and Spanish officials, as well as Spanish players Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, condemned the remarks, describing them as racist.
• Spain defeated France 2–0 in the World Cup semifinal and will face the winner of Argentina vs England in the final.