FFF Investigates Hate Comments After Women’s Team Euro Exit

The French Football Federation (FFF) has taken firm steps to investigate hate comments that emerged on social media — after their women’s national team was eliminated from the Euro quarter-finals through a penalty shootout against Germany.

“The French Football Federation strongly condemns the hateful statements directed at several national team players. Nothing can justify such manifestations of hatred,” stated the FFF’s official statement.

FFF will coordinate with the National Center Against Online Hatred to open an investigation into this criminal behavior. The federation reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect and solidarity that form the foundation of this sport.

French national team goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin responded to the abuse received by her teammates via Instagram:

“There’s one thing even harder to accept than defeat: hatred. We can be frustrated, sad, even angry. But hatred should never have a place in this sport. Behind every jersey, there’s a human being.”