French Football Federation chief extends support to Mbappe after criticism: ‘A form of harassment’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe made a trip to Dubai after being released from the French national team late last week and was in the Middle East-based tourism hub for a few days attending a Padel event.

His ankle inflammation, after all, ruled him out of action for the team’s game against Azerbaijan which the team went on to win comfortably regardless.

Despite the clear-cut reason for his absence, however, the player came under immense criticism from French media and the public who claimed that he was neglecting the national team for his personal agenda.

FFF president defends Mbappe

The president of the French Football Federation Phillipe Diallo released an official statement last night to make clear the stance of the FFF on the Mbappe saga and took the side of the player in the matter.

“Mbappe still feels an inflammation of his right ankle that requires examination. He will carry them out today in Madrid, ” the statement confirmed, putting to bed any theory that the injury was non-existent.

Diallo then explained the situation that unfolded at the national team camp and how there was no liability of Mbappe towards the team after he was released with a clear injury.

“The doctors of the French team found that there was an inflammation of his ankle. Because he is a little affected, compared to a match in Azerbaijan that no longer had sporting value, there was a kind of precautionary principle and he was made available to his club.”

“Then, it’s up to Real Madrid to do the additional exams and see with him. This is no longer a question that concerns the French team,” he added on how Mbappe’s trip to Dubai does not concern the national federation.

Mbappe left the France camp due to ankle discomfort. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The FFF president then defended the player more vigorously, making it clear that Mbappe may not have even featured vs Azerbaijan if he was fit given Didier Deschamps’ rotation plans.

“We saw that Didier Deschamps had modified, I think this is the first time it has happened, the 11 players of the previous match.”

“So, even if Kylian had been there, he might not have even started the game, or even he would not have returned to the field at all. So, for me, it’s a non-subject. “

Finally, Diallo openly extended support to the Real Madrid star for being viciously attacked by the media and the public for his personal life.

“I would like to say all my support to Kylian Mbappe, because today, and this is not the first time it has happened, he is the subject of a form of harassment on his private life which is still incredible.”

“He is a boy who no longer has the ability today to move, to go out in public, to have activities like everyone else, because of his immense notoriety,” he added.

Asking the media and public to give Mbappe some space to live his life normally, Diallo said,

“I saw that some took pictures of his labels on his luggage. Can we leave him a little freedom and an ability to have a little space in his life that is still extremely dense, hoping that he will be at his top when we need it, that is to say for the World Cup?”

“No one is above the French team. The French team is above all,” he concluded, insisting that if ever such a situation does indeed arise, it will be taken up more strictly.

Source: L’Equipe