FIFA launches investigation into racist and homophobic chants by Argentine players

Issued on: 17/07/2024 – 12:21

1 minute

FIFA said on Wednesday it was launching an investigation into racist chants by Argentine players after they won the Copa América.

“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being investigated,” a spokesperson for the international football governing body said.

They added: “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials.”

The chants were heard in a live video Chelsea and Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted on social media from the team bus after Sunday’s Copa victory over Colombia in Miami.

Some players, including 23-year-old Fernandez, sing a song that harks back to the 2022 World Cup final, in which Argentina defeated France.

The song targets French striker Kylian Mbappé, among others, and contains racist and homophobic insults.

Chelsea had previously announced that an internal disciplinary procedure had been initiated against Fernandez over the incident.

Fernandez has apologized and the club said in a statement that an “internal disciplinary procedure” has been initiated.

“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable,” the magazine said.

“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate ourselves.”

Fernandez, who moved to Chelsea from Benfica for a record £105 million ($136.8 million) in 2023, said in his apology: “The song contains highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.

“I oppose discrimination in any form and apologize for having been caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”

The French Football Federation (FFF) complained to FIFA on Monday about the chants.

FFF President Philippe Diallo “condemned in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory statements made against players of the French team”.

France defeated Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup.

(AFP)