Andre Vallini criticised the use of English in France’s official Euro 2016 anthem
Leading politician Andrew Vallini reacted with horror to the French team’s official anthem.
Chosen by the French Football Association, the song I Was Made For Lovin’ You by American rock band Kiss, has been updated for the tournament.
French group Skip The Use have changed the words to “I was made for lovin’ you, babe” to “I was made for lovin’ you, my team” and have created a football-themed video.
Andre Vallini, Secretary of State for Francophony, criticised the song choice.
It is incomprehensible that the anthem of the French national team should be in English
Andre Vallini
He said: “Euro 2016 will be a great festival of sport which is taking place in France and will therefore project the image of our country abroad. And our language too.
“It is therefore incomprehensible that the anthem of the French national team should be in English.”
The angry politican took to his Twitter page to urge supporters to protest against the anthem.
Mr Vallini also blasted the French entry at the Eurovision Song Contest, which contains an English chorus.
The Eurovision entry, performed by Amir, is called J’ai Cherche (I Have Searched).
He said: “At a time when we are defending the place of the French language in international institutions and especially European institutions… it is incomprehensible that for these two big popular events, the French language has lowered its guard.”
On Twitter, Mr Vallini branded the song choices “appalling”.
He said: “Euro 2016/song of the France team in English! Eurovision Song Contest: Ditto!
“Appalling and unacceptable”.
France will host the football tournament from June 10 to July 10.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place on May 14.