The French Football Federation (FFF) has filed a formal complaint to FIFA following a controversial incident involving the Argentina national team.
The controversy arose after a video posted by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez showed the Argentina squad singing an offensive chant directed at French players. The chant, which alludes to the African heritage of several French players, was recorded during the celebrations of Argentina’s Copa America victory. This same chant had surfaced between the two nations during the FIFA 2022 World Cup final.
The video has sparked widespread condemnation, prompting the FFF to act immediately. Philippe Diallo, President of the FFF, issued a strong statement denouncing the racist and discriminatory nature of the remarks. “The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the French team players in a song sung by Argentine players and supporters after their Copa America victory. This video, shared on social networks, is contrary to the values of sport and human rights,” the statement read.
“The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the French team during the song sung by the players and supporters of the Argentine team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social networks,” it said declaration.
“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values ​​of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to appeal directly to his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and file a legal complaint for the racially offensive and discriminatory remarks. ”
Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana reacted with disappointment on social media, sharing a video alongside the caption: “Football in 2024: racism rampant”.
According to the report, Chelsea have launched an investigation into Fernandez’s behavior and are taking it seriously.
Chelsea have several French players in their squad. Alongside Fofano, Stamford Bridge is home to Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Malang Sarra, Malo Gust, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku.
