FIFA Launches Probe
FIFA announced on Wednesday that it is opening an investigation into racist chants by Argentina players following their Copa America 2024 victory. The governing body of world football became aware of a video circulating on social media showing the incident and is currently looking into it. A FIFA spokesperson stated, “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans, and officials.”
Incident Details
The chants occurred during a live video posted on social media by Enzo Fernandez, a Chelsea and Argentina midfielder, from the team bus after their Copa America 2024 win over Colombia in Miami on Sunday. The song, which dates back to the 2022 World Cup final where Argentina defeated France, targeted France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and included racist and homophobic insults.
Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea quickly responded by announcing an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez. The club issued a statement condemning all forms of discriminatory behavior as completely unacceptable. They acknowledged Fernandez’s public apology and stated they would use this incident as an opportunity to educate.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a Premier League record fee of £105 million ($136.8 million) in 2023, apologized, saying, “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.”
Defense and Criticism
Javier Mascherano, the coach of Argentina’s Olympic football team, defended Fernandez, suggesting the video was taken out of context. “Argentines, if there’s one thing we’re not, it’s racists, far from that,” Mascherano said. He emphasized that Argentina is an inclusive country, welcoming people from all over the world and treating them with respect.
However, the French Football Federation (FFF) did not take the incident lightly. They lodged a complaint with FIFA on Monday. FFF president Philippe Diallo condemned the racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the France team, calling them unacceptable.
Historical Context
The song in question traces back to the 2022 World Cup final, a significant match where Argentina triumphed over France. This rivalry likely contributed to the choice of targets in the chant. France had previously defeated Argentina in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup, adding another layer to their competitive history.
Moving Forward
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges football faces with discrimination. FIFA’s swift action in opening an investigation reflects its commitment to addressing and condemning such behavior. The football community will be watching closely to see the outcomes of both FIFA’s investigation and Chelsea’s internal disciplinary process.
The racist chants by Argentina players following their Copa America 2024 victory have sparked significant controversy. With FIFA investigating and Chelsea taking disciplinary action, the incident highlights the importance of combating discrimination in sports. As football continues to be a global unifier, ensuring inclusivity and respect for all remains paramount. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
