FIFA announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an investigation into racist chants made by Argentina players following their Copa America victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.
“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,” stated a spokesperson for the world football’s governing body.
The controversy arose from a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The video, captured on the team bus after their win, features several players, including Fernandez, chanting a song that dates back to the 2022 World Cup final when Argentina defeated France. The chant targeted France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and contained homophobic slurs.
The French Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA concerning the incident. The situation has drawn widespread criticism and prompted swift reactions from various football organizations.
Chelsea Football Club responded promptly, launching an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez. The club expressed its stance in a statement, “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. 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.”
Fernandez, who holds the record for the most expensive transfer in Premier League history, has publicly apologized for his involvement in the incident. His apology, however, has not quelled the backlash, as many call for stricter actions to combat discrimination in football.
This incident occurs in the wake of Real Madrid fans celebrating both Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and the recent addition of French forward Kylian Mbappe to their team. On July 16, 2024, Mbappe was officially presented to a packed Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, marking his new five-season contract with the club.
