Chelsea is investigating a social media video posted by Enzo Fernandez that the French Football Federation (FFF) alleges contains racist content.
The video, shared on Fernandez’s Instagram live, shows him and several Argentina teammates chanting a derogatory song about the France team following their victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday.
Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, condemned the video by reposting it on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Fernandez has since apologized on Instagram, expressing regret for posting the video and any offense it may have caused. “The song includes highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” he said. “I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
The FFF has announced it will file a legal complaint regarding the “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” made by the Argentina players. Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, intends to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the alleged remarks.
In a statement, the FFF said: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media. Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Argentina’s victory over France in the penalty shoot-out of the 2022 World Cup final had previously sparked discriminatory chants from some Argentina fans, highlighting ongoing tensions.
Sports race equality charity Sporting Equals also condemned the video. “Sporting Equals condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the video that has emerged on social media of Chelsea and Argentinian footballer Enzo Fernández and some teammates singing a racist song. The lyrics belittle the lived experiences of the French footballers and their ancestors. The words question the authenticity of those players’ right to represent France.
“We applaud Wesley Fofana, Fernández’s clubmate at Chelsea, who has challenged this behavior. The easy thing for him to do would be to stay quiet. By publicly addressing this, he has made it clear that this will not be tolerated, and we hope that his club will support him and others at this difficult time.
“While the incident took place following the Copa America final, it is important to focus on the very recent positives closer to home. The UEFA Men’s European Football Championships provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of participant countries.
“Following England’s success, there were clear illustrations across social media of the positive impact that immigration has had on the national team. Actions such as those by members of the French national team, challenging the far right in press conferences, show that football is more united against racism. The ethnic diversity of the two finalists, England and Spain, proves that race equality and equity is a strength.
“That said, we must not shy away from calling out racism when we witness it. Sporting Equals expects that Chelsea, The Premier League, The FA, and FIFA will act swiftly and decisively on these sickening chants.”
Credit: Sky Sports
