Chelsea say they have opened “internal disciplinary proceedings” following a video posted online by Enzo Fernandez of him and his Argentina team-mates singing a chant which the French Football Federation (FFF) called “unacceptable, racist and discriminatory”.
The FFF said on Tuesday that it will file a legal complaint about the incident, which came in the aftermath of Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates celebrating their 1-0 Copa America final victory over Colombia on Sunday night.
Fernandez has since responded with an apology posted on social media. “The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old said.
Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup final, with some fans of the South American side at that tournament singing a chant ahead of that match referencing how many France players were of African heritage and were first- or second-generation immigrants in the European nation.
The words to the chant were: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”
Fernandez and Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final (Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
A statement from Chelsea on Wednesday morning read: “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 appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Wesley Fofana, a Black France international and a club team-mate of Fernandez, posted a video of the incident on social accompanied with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”. His message was met with racist replies from users on X and Instagram.
Following the FFF statement and Fofana’s criticism, Fernandez’s apology read: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise 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.”
On Wednesday morning, a FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
Kick It Out, a leading UK anti-discrimination charity, said it stands “with and show our full support to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and brought it to wider attention”. The charity also called on the AFA, FIFA and relevant clubs to address the “concerning issue” of several players being filmed singing the chant.
The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) and CONMEBOL — the South American Football Federation which organises Copa America — did not respond when approached for comment by The Athletic.
(Top photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)