FIFA announced on Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into racist chants made by Argentina players following their Copa America victory.
“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media, and the incident is being looked into,” stated a spokesperson for the world football’s governing body.
They added, “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans, and officials.”
The offensive chants were heard in a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus after their Copa America win over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.
The chant, dating back to Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, includes racist and homophobic insults directed at France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe, among others.
Chelsea announced they have initiated an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez over the incident. Fernandez has apologized, and the club released a statement saying they had launched an “internal disciplinary procedure.”
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable,” the statement read. “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a Premier League record fee of £105 million (US$136.8 million) in 2023, expressed regret in his apology: ”
The song includes highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a complaint with FIFA about the chants on Monday.
FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned the “unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the France team” with the utmost severity.
