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FIFA has launched an investigation into racist and homophobic chants made by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez and other Argentinian players following the Copa America final. The chants, which date back to the 2022 France vs Argentina World Cup final, targeted French striker Kylian Mbappé among others. Chelsea has also initiated disciplinary action against Fernandez.
A FIFA spokesperson stated, “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into.” They emphasized that FIFA “strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans, and officials.”
The offensive chants were heard during a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus after Argentina’s victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday. Some players, including 23-year-old Fernandez, were seen singing a chant that included racist and homophobic insults.
Chelsea announced an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez, who has since apologized. The club stated, “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable. We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a Premier League record fee of £105 million ($136.8 million) in 2023, expressed remorse in his apology, saying, “The song includes highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a complaint with FIFA about the chants, with FFF president Philippe Diallo condemning the “unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the France team.” France defeated Argentina in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup.
