Chelsea are investigating a video Enzo Fernandez posted on social media which the French Soccer Federation alleges is racist.
Fernandez and a few of his Argentina team-mates have been chanting a derogatory music concerning the France staff in an Instagram reside video revealed on his account after they beat Colombia within the Copa America last on Sunday.
Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate, reposted the video on X, previously often known as Twitter, with the phrases: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.
Fernandez later apologised on Instagram for posting the video and any offence its content material could have brought on.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” he stated.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that second, these phrases, don’t replicate my beliefs or my character.
“I am truly sorry.”
The French Soccer Federation has stated it should file a authorized grievance alleging “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” have been made by Argentina gamers.
In an announcement, the FFF – the governing physique of French soccer – stated its president Philippe Diallo would problem FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Soccer Affiliation boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to answer the alleged remarks.
The assertion learn: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were 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.
“Confronted with the seriousness of those surprising remarks, opposite to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF determined to instantly problem his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a authorized grievance for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final, a match around which some fans of the Argentina team were heard to sing discriminatory songs.
Sky Sports News has contacted FIFA for comment.
Sporting Equals condemns video shared by Fernandez
Sports activities race equality charity Sporting Equals:
“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 team-mates 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 behaviour. The straightforward factor for him to do can be to remain quiet. By publicly addressing this he has made it clear that this is not going to be tolerated and we hope that his membership will assist him and others at this tough 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 have been clear illustrations throughout social media of the optimistic affect that immigration has had on the nationwide staff. Actions equivalent to these by members of the French nationwide staff, difficult the far proper in press conferences, present that soccer is extra united towards racism. The ethnic variety of the 2 finalists, England and Spain, proves that race equality and fairness is a energy.
“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.”
