Chelsea have “instigated an internal disciplinary procedure” following Enzo Fernandez’s video posted on social media, which the French Soccer Federation alleges is racist.
Fernandez and a few of his Argentina team-mates had been chanting a derogatory music in regards to the France group in an Instagram reside video revealed on his account after they beat Colombia within the Copa America ultimate on Sunday.
Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate, reposted the video on X with the phrases: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.
Fernandez later apologised on Instagram for posting the video and any offence its content material might have precipitated.
On Wednesday morning Chelsea launched a membership assertion: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
“We acknowledge and recognize our participant’s public apology and can use this as a possibility to coach.
“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Shortly after Chelsea’s assertion, FIFA confirmed it’s trying into the incident.
A FIFA spokesperson mentioned: “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into.
“FIFA strongly condemns any type of discrimination by anybody together with gamers, followers and officers.”
Fernandez: I am truly sorry
The statements from Chelsea and FIFA got here after Fernandez mentioned he was “truly sorry” for the video.
“The song includes highly-offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old mentioned.
“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.”
French Soccer Federation to file authorized criticism
The French Soccer Federation has mentioned it is going to file a authorized criticism alleging “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” had been made by Argentina gamers.
In a press release, the FFF – the governing physique of French soccer – mentioned 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 immediately problem his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a authorized criticism 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 race equality charity Sporting Equals:
“Sporting Equals condemns, within the strongest potential phrases, the video that has emerged on social media of Chelsea and Argentinian footballer Enzo Fernandez and a few team-mates singing a racist music. The lyrics belittle the lived experiences of the French footballers and their ancestors. The phrases query the authenticity of these gamers proper to symbolize France.
“We applaud Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s club-mate at Chelsea, who has challenged this behaviour. 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.
“Whereas the incident came about following the Copa America ultimate it is very important concentrate on the very latest positives nearer to house. The UEFA Males’s European Soccer Championships supplied a possibility to have fun the variety of participant nations.
“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 mentioned we should not shrink back from calling out racism after we witness it. Sporting Equals expects that Chelsea, The Premier League, The FA and FIFA will act swiftly and decisively on these sickening chants.”
