Argentine footballer Enzo Fernández has ignited international controversy after posting a video on Instagram showing the Argentine national team singing a racist and discriminatory chant about French players during their Copa América 2024 victory celebrations. The chant, which originated during the 2022 World Cup, contained offensive lyrics about the African heritage of French players and homophobic remarks about Kylian Mbappé.The French Football Federation (FFF) has strongly condemned the incident and announced plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, stated that the chants are “contrary to the values of sport and human rights”.Fernández’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, publicly criticized the video, calling it “unbridled racism”. Several French players at Chelsea have unfollowed Fernández on social media in response to the incident. Chelsea has launched an investigation into the matter.Amid the growing backlash, Fernández has issued an apology, stating that he opposes discrimination in all forms and that the video does not reflect his beliefs or character. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability, with French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra describing the chants as “pathetic” and demanding a reaction from FIFA.The controversy has raised concerns about potential sanctions for Fernández and the Argentine national team. The Instituto Nacional contra la Discriminación, la Xenofobia y el Racismo (INADI) of Argentina has also condemned the incident, highlighting the global impact of this diplomatic and sporting crisis.
Key points
- Enzo Fernández posted a video of Argentine players singing a racist chant about French players after Copa América 2024 victory.
- The French Football Federation is filing a formal complaint with FIFA and the Argentine Football Association.
- Chelsea has launched an investigation, and Fernández has apologized for the incident.
- The controversy has sparked international outrage and calls for accountability in football.
