France rejects boycott talk as world cup looms amid Greenland dispute

PARIS, Jan. 22 (YPA) – French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said her country was not currently considering a boycott of the FIFA World Cup, which would be held in the United States, despite rising tensions surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s bid to gain control of Greenland.

Ferrari told reporters on Tuesday: “At the moment, there is no intention from the ministry to boycott this highly anticipated tournament. However, I will not get ahead of myself.”

She explained that she seeks to keep sports separate from politics.

The tournament is set to begin next June in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, at a time when Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland—a NATO ally of the United States—could strain relations with European partners.

Left-wing MP Éric Coquerel questioned on social media: “Can we really imagine participating in the World Cup in a country that attacks its neighbors, threatens to invade Greenland, undermines international law, and seeks to weaken the United Nations?”

He added: “The question is serious, especially since it is still possible to shift the event’s focus to Mexico and Canada.”

AA