Favard repeats racist comment targeting former Marseille defender Hiroki Sakai

Gilles Favard has again made racist remarks against former Olympique de Marseille defender Hiroki Sakai, responding to news that the Japanese player, now 36, is resuming his studies.

Under a Foot Mercato post sharing the information, the former pundit wrote “My favorite sushi seller.” When challenged about the nature of his comment, Favard attempted to downplay it: “No nothing, just a bet with a friend.” The phrase is not new, however. In 2016, he had already used the expression “they recruited a sushi seller on the right” to describe Sakai during a broadcast on TNT, sparking significant controversy.

This latest slip-up is part of a long history of problematic statements. Favard had been suspended multiple times from L’Équipe du Soir for controversial remarks, including those made in 2016 against Sakai. His contract with the channel was ultimately not renewed in 2022. This new comment, first defended then minimized, reignites debate over the responsibility of media personalities for racist remarks expressed online.