In broadcast remarks, Joanno said she had never heard Blanc make a racist statement, and she pointed to the multi-racial composition of the French soccer team.

But another former French soccer star, Lilian Thuram from Guadeloupe, expressed concern.

Thuram told TF1 television he feared the allegations of discrimination within the soccer federation could be true. If so, it was very serious.

The allegations are a blow for a national soccer team that was once a symbol of a multi-racial and united France in 1998, when it won the World Cup.

The issue also comes at a particularly sensitive time in France, following controversial national debates over diversity and Muslims. And a year before presidential elections, recent polls show surging support for the leader of the far-right National Front Party.

"We have had many political actions, which stigmatized huge parts of the French population, and soccer looks like society itself," says SOS Racism's Guillaume Aime.

But Aime believes the majority of French are very upset about the racism allegations in French soccer and, if they are proved true, will demand change.

【体坛英语资讯：French Football Federation Accused of Racism】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：China suffers 4-0 loss to Brazil

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Madonna returns to Michigan roots to show her film

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas new and old set early pace at worlds

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gloves making a comeback as alternative accessory to brag bag

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hollywood actors union, studios extend contract talks to avoid strike

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic champion Zhang scared at ProTour Finals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Table tennis queen seeks last Olympic ticket

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hingis dope tests may never be revealed

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hiltons marry hurry

★ 体坛英语资讯：Staying alive! Rockets rip Jazz 95-69 in Game 5