FIFA has opened an investigation following the French Football Federation’s complaint against Argentina after its players were filmed singing a racist song aimed at France’sLes Bleus.
“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social networks and the incident is being investigated. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials,” says the statement issued by the body this Wednesday morning.
The chants were heard in a live video posted on social networks by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus after their 1-0 victory over Colombia in Sunday’s Copa America final.
Some of the players, including Fernandez, sing a chant that dates back to Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final win over France. “They play for France but all come from Angola, that’s good they know how to run, they’re trans like fucking Mbappé, his mother is Nigerian, his father is Cameroonian, but on the passport: French”.
The song seems to be a reminder of the match that the Albiceleste won on penalties. During the tournament, some Argentine fans began singing the song, referring to the fact that many French players were of African descent and were first or second-generation immigrants to the country.
The images of the team singing it have infuriated the French Football Federation. Its president, Philippe Diallo, challenged his counterparts at FIFA and the Argentine Football Federation to react to the images.
“The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentine team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social networks,” reads a statement from the FFF.
“In view of the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the President of the FFF has decided to appeal directly to his Argentine counterpart and to FIFA, and to lodge a complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks”, adds the same source.
For their part, English club Chelsea, where Enzo Fernandez plays, have also decided to launch disciplinary proceedings against their Argentine midfielder.
“We recognize and appreciate our player’s public apology, and we will take the opportunity to raise awareness. The club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure,” the London club said in a statement.
French defender Wesley Fofana, team-mate of Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea, reacted on Monday on X: “Football in 2024: racism unabashed”. For his part, another French defender, Jules Kounde, who plays for FC Barcelona, found the video “Lamentable…” on Tuesday evening on the same network.
Faced with the extent of the reactions, Enzo Fernández wrote on his Instagram account on Tuesday that he wished to “sincerely apologize” for the video published during the Argentine team’s celebrations.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.