London, July 17: Chelsea has begun disciplinary action after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was involved in a video where members of Argentina’s Copa America-winning squad appeared to sing about French players with African heritage.
FIFA also said it was also looking into the incident after the French football federation pledged to file a complaint with the sport’s world governing body over “racist and discriminatory remarks.”
Fernandez said he was “truly sorry” and Chelsea said discriminatory behaviour was “completely unacceptable.”
“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” the Premier League club said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”
Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida. Afterwards a video posted on Instagram appeared to show Fernandez and Argentina players chanting about France’s team as they celebrated.
The same chants – by some Argentina fans – emerged before the team beat France in the World Cup final in 2022.
The derogatory chants single out France players of African heritage, from several countries, and holding a French passport.
Fernandez apologized 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,” he said on Instagram. “I am truly sorry.”
Fernandez became the most expensive player in British football history after joining Chelsea from Benfica for 106.7 million pounds ($131.4 million) in 2023. (AP)
