Chelsea have opened an investigation after midfielder Enzo Fernandez apologised for an “offensive” video posted on his Instagram account.
Enzo Fernandez has apologised for an “offensive” video posted on his Instagram account after Argentina’s Copa American success, with his club launching an investigation into the matter.
The French Football Federation said on Tuesday it will file a legal complaint alleging “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” were made by Argentina players following their Copa America victory over Colombia.
The complaint follows footage that was posted by Chelsea midfielder Fernandez, which appeared to show him and his team-mates chanting about the France team as they celebrated their 1-0 win in Sunday’s final.
Chelsea FC has published the following statement…
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 17, 2024
Fernandez put a statement on his Instagram account on Tuesday night, saying: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
Fernandez’s French club-mate Wesley Fofana posted the video on his own social media accompanied by the message: “Football in 2024: Uninhibited racism.”
And Chelsea released a statement on Wednesday morning welcoming Fernandez’s apology while announcing disciplinary proceedings.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable,” the statement read.
“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
“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.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the FFF – the governing body of French football – said its president Philippe Diallo would challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the alleged remarks.
The statement read: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media.
“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final, a match around which some fans of the Argentina team were heard to sing discriminatory songs.
