- Fernandez faces disciplinary action over alleged racist chant
- The FFF has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the video
- Fernandez’s teammate, Wesley Fofana, who plays for France, condemned the video as “uninhibited racism”
- Fernandez has apologised for the video, which was made during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations
Fernandez faces disciplinary action over alleged racist chant
Chelsea has started disciplinary proceedings against midfielder Enzo Fernandez after he posted a video on social media that the French Football Federation (FFF) claims includes a “racist and discriminatory” chant. The FFF has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the video, which features a song sung by some Argentina squad members about France’s black players.
Fernandez’s teammate, Wesley Fofana, who plays for France, condemned the video as “uninhibited racism” on Instagram. Fernandez, a record signing for Chelsea, has apologised, expressing his regret for sharing the video, which was made during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.
FIFA is also investigating the video, which questions the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players. Chelsea’s first-team squad includes seven black or mixed-race French players.
Le football en 2024 : racisme décomplexé 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNU
— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) July 16, 2024
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” said Fernandez.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moments, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”