- Chelsea have initiated disciplinary proceedings against Enzo Fernandez for posting a video containing an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant
- The French Football Federation has announced it will file a complaint with FIFA regarding the video, featuring a song by Argentina players about France’s black players
Chelsea have initiated disciplinary proceedings against midfielder Enzo Fernandez following his posting of a video on social media that the French Football Federation (FFF) described as containing an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant.
On Tuesday, the FFF announced that it would file a complaint with the world governing body, FIFA, regarding the video, which featured a song sung by some members of the Argentina squad about France’s black players.
Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, shared an image of the video on Instagram, labelling it as “uninhibited racism.”
Fernandez, who became a British record signing with his £107 million transfer in February 2023, expressed his regret over the video posted as Argentina celebrated their Copa America victory.
FIFA is also investigating the video in which several Argentina squad members participate in a song initially sung by Argentina fans that questions the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players.
Chelsea’s first-team squad includes seven black or mixed-race players from France: Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Malang Sarr.
“The song includes highly offensive language; no excuse exists for these words. 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,” Fernandez stated.
This situation has brought attention to the ongoing issue of racism in football, prompting responses from various organizations and individuals condemning the incident and calling for further action.