Chelsea Investigating Alleged Racist Chant in Video by Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea Football Club is currently investigating a video posted on social media by their midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, which allegedly includes a “racist and discriminatory” chant, according to the French Football Federation (FFF). The FFF has stated that it will file a complaint with FIFA regarding the video, which features a song sung by some members of the Argentina squad about France’s players. Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, who has represented France once, shared an image of the video on Instagram and labeled it as “uninhibited racism.”
The seriousness of the incident is reflected in Chelsea’s response, as they are taking the matter seriously and conducting their own investigation. This shows the club’s commitment to addressing any potential racist behavior among their players. The FFF also plans to contact the Argentine Football Association (AFA) regarding another live video posted by Fernandez on social media. This video was recorded during Argentina’s celebration of winning the Copa America after defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final.
In a statement, the FFF expressed their strong condemnation of the “unacceptable and discriminatory remarks” made against the French team’s players. They emphasized that these remarks go against the values of both sports and human rights. As a result, the president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, has decided to directly appeal to his Argentine counterpart and FIFA. Additionally, the FFF will file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks.
The Argentine Football Association has yet to provide a comment on the matter. It is worth noting that there is a history between the French and Argentine national teams. France defeated Argentina in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup, but Argentina had their revenge by defeating France in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
Racism in football remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed by clubs, football associations, and governing bodies worldwide. Incidents like these highlight the importance of taking a firm stance against any form of discrimination or racism within the sport. It is crucial for organizations to investigate such incidents thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that players, fans, and the wider football community feel safe and welcome.
The investigation by Chelsea demonstrates their commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment within the club. The response from the FFF further emphasizes the need for unity and respect in football, reinforcing the message that racism has no place in the sport. It is hoped that through these investigations and actions, the necessary measures will be taken to address and eradicate racism in football, fostering a more inclusive and diverse sporting culture.