French FA president Philippe Diallo has backed forwards Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Thuram after they spoke out against a shift to the right in European elections and an upcoming French parliamentary vote.
"I've always said that I give the players freedom of expression. These are young men who have an opinion on social issues," Diallo told reporters on Tuesday at the France team's European Championship headquarters in Paderborn.
Captain Mbappé and Thuram had expressed their shock at the result of the European elections in France earlier this month, where right-wing nationalists saw a strong showing.
"It's not my job to restrict their desire to speak out on issues that affect their generation. I fully respect their positions," Diallo added.
Mbappé, who suffered a broken nose in France's 1-0 win over Austria in their Euro opener on Monday, had used a press conference ahead of the game to call on young French people to take part in snap parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7.
In contrast to the players, the French Football Federation (FFF) cannot be seen to be politicized, Diallo said.
"The federation cannot have the same freedom of expression as the players," he added. "I shouldn't make election recommendations. I have to guarantee the principle of neutrality."
