On Monday, Mabil cited his previous comments that Australia's multiculturalism was what made it the "best country in the world"."It (the Hanson remarks) didn't really distract us because we know what we represent," Mabil replied We have only responded to the politicisation that others started."Hanson recently said the Australian men's football team was an example of monoculturalism, after critics pointed out that the Socceroos were representative of a multicultural nation.During an address to the Senate, Hanson said the Socceroos "represent my vision" of a monocultural Australia."People from different backgrounds and cultures and nations, all wearing the green and gold, and representing one nation under one flag," Hanson said.Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly rebuked Hanson’s analogy, saying that without multiculturalism "there would be no soccer, there would be no Socceroos".You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.