Andre Vallini, the minister tasked with helping to promote the French language abroad has condemned the use of a song in English as the official anthem for France supporters at Euro 2016.
Last week it was revealed that a cover of "I Was Made for Lovin' You" by American rock group Kiss would be used to try to unite French fans at this summer's tournament.
The song has been renamed "I Was Made for Lovin' You (My Team)" by Skip the Use, the Lille group who have recorded a version of it to back the Euro 2016 hosts.
- André VALLINI (@VALLINIAndre) May 2, 2016
Vallini, the secretary of state for Francophonie, has branded the decision to use a song in English as "incomprehensible" and "appalling."
"Euro 2016 will be a great festival of sport which will take place in France and should therefore promote our country. And our language," he said in a statement on Twitter.
"It is therefore incomprehensible that the anthem of the French national team should be in English."
Vallini also lamented the fact that the chorus for France's entry in the Eurovision song contest is also in English at a time when the country was fighting to promote the use of the French language at international institutions throughout the world.
"Please, let's not score an own goal!" his statement concluded.