Chelsea FC and FIFA have both launched investigations after midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a video which his teammate Wesley Fofana described as “uninhibited racism”.
The French Football Federation said on Tuesday it would file a legal complaint over “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” that were made by Argentina players on Fernandez’s Instagram livestream following their Copa America final win over Colombia.
The footage appeared to show players participating in a chant about the French national team, which dates to when Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final.
The livestream was ended by Fernandez before the chant was finished and he has since apologised.
The 23-year-old put out a statement on social media 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.”
Chelsea released a statement on Wednesday morning, welcoming Fernandez’s apology and announcing disciplinary proceedings.
“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.”
FIFA is also investigating the video, a spokesperson said: “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into.
“FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the French Football Federation (FFF) said its president, Philippe Diallo, would challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the remarks.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said: “The video of the Argentina team singing a discriminatory chant is unacceptable and clearly needs to stop. We stand with and show our full support to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and brought it to wider attention.
“Responses to these incidents cannot start and end with an apology. More important is the action taken afterwards to ensure players are educated and held accountable, both in England and on a global scale.”
Enzo Fernández was signed from Benfica for a British record fee of £106.8m in January 2023. He is expected to be fined and sent on a racism education course.