WORLD football governing body FIFA has said it is opening an investigation into racist chants by Argentina players after they won the Copa America.
A video emerged yesterday, posted by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, in which the Argentina players are seen celebrating their victory by singing a deeply offensive song mocking the African background of most of the French squad.
“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” a spokesman for the body said today.
“FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
The chants were heard during a live video posted on social media by Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami in the early hours of Monday.
Some players, including Fernandez, are seen singing a chant dating back to the 2022 World Cup final in which Argentina beat France.
The song targets France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and includes homophobic insults.
The French Football Federation has complained to FIFA about the chants.
Chelsea also announced they had launched an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez over the incident.
The club said in a statement: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
“The Club has instigated an an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Fernandez, who cost Chelsea over £110m from Benfica in January 2023, has since publicly apologised for his behaviour.
