French national team footballer apologizes for her words about homosexuality.

The footballer of the 'Fleury' team and the French U23 national team, Aïline Fontaine, apologized for her remarks on homosexuality and called them reckless. This is reported by 'Glavcom'.

In her interview, Fontaine referred to homosexuality as a sin, citing the Bible. The French Football Federation condemned her words.

Today, Fontaine explained her position on Instagram.

'Recently, I was asked a question about homosexuality in women's football during a spontaneous interview, which was later published on social media. In responding, I used a biblical position but also noted that I do not have a negative attitude towards it. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough Time to carefully think through every word, so I greatly regret it,' Fontaine stated.

She also expressed her dissatisfaction and sadness regarding the scale of the controversy her words caused.

'With these words that I said outside of my professional conduct, I did not intend to demonstrate unacceptability towards people based on their sexual orientation or to express discriminatory comments. I understand that my words may have offended many people, including those I sincerely love. This is very sad. I take the problem of discrimination seriously, as I know what it feels like to be rejected. The last thing I wanted was to be a voice that discriminates or condemns people. Therefore, I want it to be clear that I respect every person,' the footballer said.

She emphasized that everything she wants to embody are the values of football, such as joy, respect, selflessness, tolerance, and solidarity.

'Those who know me are aware of my values, such as respect, kindness, and unity, which I strive to uphold in sports, football, and which I plan to continue defending in the future, both in the team and in my personal and professional life,' Fontaine wrote.

It is worth mentioning that transgender referee Sapir Berman from Israel will officiate an international match for the first time in football history.

Berman will officiate a match between the women's national teams of Northern Ireland and Montenegro (players no older than 17 years) in the Euro 2025 qualifiers. This match will take place on March 17.

Also, on March 23, Berman will be the referee in a match between Montenegro and Kazakhstan.

Sapir Berman previously officiated matches in the Israeli championship. In 2021, he began the process of gender transition.

Later, Sapir changed his name to Sapir and continued his work in officiating matches in the Israeli championship.