Because he and others started racist chants after Argentina’s Copa triumph, Enzo Fernandez continues to be heavily criticized – but is also defended. His club is facing unpleasant consequences
What happened?
After Argentina’s title defense at the Copa America, Chelsea professional Enzo Fernandez shared a live video on Instagram in which he and so far unidentified other national players start racist chants against France’s national team, which Argentine fans had already sung after the 2022 World Cup triumph.
How did the French Football Federation (FFF) react?
The FFF lodged a complaint with FIFA and spoke of “shocking remarks”. Association president Philippe Diallo condemned the “unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks against players of the French national team in the strongest possible terms.”
What are the consequences for Fernandez?
While a FIFA sanction would probably be aimed more at Argentina’s federation, the 23-year-old midfielder is facing trouble from Chelsea FC. The Blues have launched an internal investigation and made it clear in a statement that they consider “all forms of discriminatory behavior to be completely unacceptable”. It is likely that Fernandez will get away with a fine
Has Fernandez apologized in the meantime?
Yes. On Instagram, he apologized for the song, whose lyrics were “highly offensive”, and for getting carried away by the emotions after the Copa victory. He is against discrimination. Fernandez is also said to have apologized internally to Chelsea players
Why is the case so sensitive for Chelsea?
With the video, Fernandez has also caused a stir in the dressing room. Team-mate Wesley Fofana castigated it as “unrestrained racism” and unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram – as did Chelsea professionals Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, David Datro Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Lesley Ugochukwu. From a sporting and financial perspective, however, the club bosses will find it difficult to sanction their €121 million new signing from 2023.
Who will stand by Fernandez?
Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel called Fernandez’s critics “hypocrites” and claimed the song spoke “truths” that France did not want to acknowledge. Argentina’s former international Javier Mascherano, who is currently coach of the U23s and therefore also of the Olympic team in Paris, said that the video had been “taken out of context”. “If there’s one thing we Argentinians aren’t, it’s racists,” he emphasized on Olé. “I know Enzo, he’s a great guy.” According to national team colleague Alexis Mac Allister, people in Europe reacted “much more sensitively” than in Argentina, “where we are not used to talking so much about racism.”
Will the English Football Association (FA) also take action?
So far, the FA has kept a low profile, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In principle, its statutes contain strict rules against discriminatory behavior, but for the time being it seems to be waiting to see how Chelsea itself deals with the case. If they do intervene, Fernandez could face a ban of six to twelve games
