Chelsea initiate disciplinary action against Fernandez over alleged racist chant

Chelsea Football Club has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Enzo Fernandez, their midfielder, following his posting of a video on social media that allegedly contained a "racist and discriminatory" chant, as stated by the French Football Federation (FFF). SSP prepared.

The FFF announced their intention to file a complaint with FIFA after discovering the video, in which members of the Argentina squad sang a song about black players on the French national team. Wesley Fofana, Fernandez's teammate at Chelsea and a French international player, shared the video on Instagram, condemning it as an example of "uninhibited racism."

Fernandez, who joined Chelsea for a British record fee of £107m in February 2023, expressed profound remorse for his actions in posting the video during Argentina's Copa America victory celebrations. FIFA has also launched an investigation into the incident, highlighting the participation of several Argentina squad members in a song that originates from Argentinian fans and questions the heritage of black and mixed-race players from France.

Chelsea's first-team squad includes seven players of black or mixed-race heritage from France, namely Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Malang Sarr.

Regarding the video, Fernandez stated, "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. That video, those moments, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character."

In response to the incident, Chelsea released a statement acknowledging Fernandez's public apology and expressing their intention to utilize this situation as an opportunity for education. The club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure.

Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out condemned the video as "unacceptable" and voiced full support for Wesley Fofana, who brought attention to the matter. They further stressed the need for empathy, sensitivity, and understanding from relevant clubs, the Argentine federation, and FIFA while addressing this concerning issue.

The FFF will be contacting the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to discuss the live video shared by Fernandez after Argentina's victory over Colombia in the Copa America final. Detailing the severity of the offensive remarks made against the French players, FFF President Philippe Diallo has taken the decision to personally reach out to his Argentine counterpart and FIFA, filing a legal complaint against racially offensive and discriminatory comments.

FIFA has acknowledged the existence of the video on social media and has initiated an investigation into the incident. They strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, urging action against such behavior from players, fans, and officials.