Chelsea “launched inner disciplinary procedures” after Enzo Fernandez posted a video on social media that the French Soccer Federation stated was racist.
Fernandez and a few of his Argentinian team-mates chanted a derogatory tune directed at France in an Instagram Dwell video posted on his account after their defeat to Colombia within the Copa America closing on Sunday.
Fernandes’ Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana X It learn: “Soccer in 2024: unbridled racism.”
Fernandez later apologized on Instagram for posting the video and any offense its content material could have precipitated.
Chelsea launched a membership assertion on Wednesday morning: “Chelsea Soccer Membership considers all types of discriminatory habits to be utterly unacceptable. We’re proud to be a various and inclusive membership with individuals from all cultures, communities and identities Individuals are welcome.
“We acknowledge and admire the participant’s public apology and can use this as a possibility to teach.
“The membership has initiated inner disciplinary procedures.”
Shortly after Chelsea’s assertion, FIFA confirmed it was investigating the incident.
A FIFA spokesman stated: “FIFA is conscious of a video circulating on social media and is investigating the incident.
“FIFA strongly condemns any type of discrimination by anybody, together with gamers, followers and officers.”
Fernandez: I am actually sorry
Forward of statements from Chelsea and FIFA, Fernandes stated he was “very sorry” for the video.
“This tune incorporates extremely offensive language and there’s completely no excuse for these phrases,” the 23-year-old stated.
“I stand in opposition to all types of discrimination and apologize for getting caught up within the pleasure of the America’s Cup celebrations.
“That video, that second, these phrases don’t mirror my beliefs or my character.
“I am actually sorry.”
French Soccer Federation launches authorized motion
The French Soccer Federation stated it will launch authorized proceedings accusing Argentinian gamers of constructing “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks”.
French soccer governing physique FFF stated in a press release that its president Philippe Diallo would ask FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentinian Soccer Affiliation president Claudio Fabian Tapia to reply to the remarks. reply.
The assertion learn: “Philippe Diallo, President of the French Soccer Federation, condemns within the strongest doable phrases the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made in opposition to French gamers in a tune sung by their gamers and supporters. Argentina within the Americas After profitable the Cup, he posted a video on social media.
“Confronted with the seriousness of those surprising remarks that go in opposition to the values of sport and human rights, the President of FFF determined to straight problem the President of Argentina and FIFA and provoke authorized proceedings in opposition to insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Some Argentina followers have been heard singing discriminatory songs through the 2022 World Cup closing as Argentina beat France on penalties.
sky sports activities information FIFA has been contacted for remark.
Sporting Equals condemns video shared by Fernandes
Sporting Equals charity:
“Equality in Sport condemns within the strongest phrases the video that has appeared on social media of Chelsea and Argentinian footballer Enzo Fernandez and a few of his teammates singing racist songs. These lyrics belittle the lived experiences of French footballers and their ancestors. These phrases The authenticity of these gamers representing France was questioned.
“We commend Fernandes’ team-mate at Chelsea, Wesley Fofana, who has challenged this behaviour. The simplest factor for him to do is to stay silent. By talking out publicly, he has made this habits clear This won’t be tolerated and we hope his membership will assist him and others at this troublesome time.
“Whereas this incident occurred on the heels of the Copa America closing, you will need to concentrate on latest constructive occasions nearer to house. The European Males’s Soccer Championship supplies a possibility to have a good time the range of taking part nations.
“Following England’s success, the constructive influence of immigration on the nationwide staff has been made clear on social media. The actions of members of the French nationwide staff difficult the far proper at a press convention confirmed that soccer is extra uniting the 2 finalists England and Spain The racial range of our group is a testomony to the facility of racial equality and fairness.
“That stated, we can not draw back from condemning racism once we witness it. Sport Equality hopes Chelsea, the Premier League, the FA and FIFA will take swift and decisive motion in opposition to these disgusting chants.”
