Argentina’s enthusiasm to celebrate the World Cup victory in Qatar did not go unnoticed by France, who did not appreciate the provocations – especially those directed against Kylian Mbappé. Noël Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sent a letter to the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio Tapia, complaining about the behavior of certain players.

“I see these excesses in a sporting competition as abnormal and I can’t understand them. They went too far. Mbappé’s behavior was exemplary,” Le Graet told French portal Ouest-France.

The teasing started in the locker room. Sergio Aguero, a former national team striker who accompanied the team at the World Cup, began songs asking for “a minute of silence” for Mbappé. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez raised his tone of provocation, holding a doll with the face of the PSG star as the players drove in an open car through the streets of Buenos Aires.

The Argentinian goalkeeper provoked again in the tribute he received when he landed in Mar Del Plata, his hometown. Commenting on Tchouameni’s missed penalty, Martínez said he realized the Frenchman was nervous and started playing a mental game. “(Tchouameni) shit himself,” he said.

Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, French Minister of Sports, also complained about the attitude of Argentine athletes. She called the provocations “shameful” and “vulgar”, saying the French had not been bad losers, but the behavior of the rivals is inelegant winners. The statements were for RTL radio.

Even Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Economy, commented on the provocations. The member of the government demanded an attitude from Fifa. “Sport is fair play, respecting others, respecting those who have lost. Don’t add insult to disappointment.