France and England are preparing for a quarter-final showdown at Euro 2024, amidst crucial parliamentary elections in both countries. France’s players, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, have been vocal about the political situation in their country, warning about the rise of the far-right National Rally party. Mbappé and other players have urged citizens to vote and prevent the far-right from gaining power. In contrast, English players have kept their voting intentions private, with defender John Stones calling the team’s camp a “politics-free zone.” England is facing Switzerland in their quarter-final match.
Turkey, although not having an election, is embroiled in a diplomatic controversy with Germany over a player’s nationalist gesture symbolizing the Grey Wolves, a far-right Turkish group. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has canceled a trip to support the team in Germany following the incident. UEFA has opened an investigation into the player’s gesture, which has sparked tensions between Turkey and Germany. Nationalist gestures have been a recurring issue at Euro 2024, with several countries being fined by UEFA for similar behavior.
The upcoming quarter-final matches will see France playing against Portugal and England facing Switzerland, while Turkey will face the Netherlands. The political atmosphere in each country is influencing the players’ actions and statements, with France taking a more proactive approach while England remains more reserved. As the tournament progresses, the intersection of politics and football continues to make headlines.
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