On Wednesday, the International Football Federation (FIFA) decided to open an investigation into Argentinian players for their racism towards French players during their celebration of winning the Copa America title, which they secured against Colombia, as reported shortly after Chelsea announced "disciplinary action" against midfielder Enzo Fernández.
FIFA stated in a release: "FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and is investigating the incident. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, whether players, fans, or officials." Chelsea also decided to initiate "disciplinary action" against Argentine midfielder Fernández for his participation in the racist chants directed at French players during the Copa America title celebrations. Chelsea said in a statement: "We appreciate the public apology made by our player and will use it to raise awareness. The club has undertaken internal disciplinary action."
The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday that it intends to file a complaint with FIFA regarding racist chants from certain players of the Argentine national team during their Copa America 2024 celebrations. The chants were heard during a live video posted by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández on social media from inside the team bus after Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia after extra time on Sunday in Miami. Some players, including Fernández, sang a song dating back to the 2022 World Cup, sung by Argentine fans after their final match against France, which Argentina won in a penalty shootout 4-2 (after a 3-3 draw in regulation and extra time). The song targeted the French captain, Kylian Mbappé.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra urged FIFA to take strict measures, writing on X: "Pathetic. This behavior is unacceptable as it keeps recurring." Fernández apologized for his actions in a post on Instagram, saying: "I sincerely apologize for the video that was posted on my Instagram channel during the national team's celebrations. The song contains highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words." He continued: "I stand against discrimination in all its forms and apologize for my involvement (in participating in the song) in the euphoria of our Copa America celebration. This video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."
French defender Wesley Fofana responded on Monday to Fernández, his Chelsea teammate, with a post on X stating: "Football in 2024: unrestricted racism." Meanwhile, French defender Jules Koundé, playing for Barcelona and known for his anti-racism activism, wrote on the same platform on Tuesday that it is "regrettable."
