Fernandez faces disciplinary action over racist chants allegations

                     Fernandez faces disciplinary action over  racist chants allegations

The French Football Federation said Chelsea had begun disciplinary procedures after midfielder Enzo Fernández posted a video on social media that included "racist and discriminatory" chants.

On Tuesday, the FFF said it would lodge a complaint with world football governing body FIFA over a video showing some members of the Argentina national team singing a song about black French players.

Fernández's Chelsea teammate and former France international Wesley Fofana posted a photo of the video on Instagram, describing it as "unbridled racism."


Fernández, who signed for a British record £107 million in February 2023, said he was "truly sorry" for the video, which he posted as Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America.


FIFA is also investigating a video in which several members of the Argentina team took part in a song originally sung by Argentine fans that questioned the origins of black and mixed-race French players. Chelsea has seven black or multiracial French players in the squad: Fofana, Axel Disassie, Benoit Badiashile, Leslie Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Maro Gusto and Malang Sarr.

"The song contains very offensive words, for which there is absolutely no excuse," Fernandez said.

"I am against any form of discrimination and I apologize for getting carried away with the euphoria of the Copa America celebrations.


"This video, this moment and these words do not reflect my beliefs or my character."


Chelsea said in a statement: "We note and appreciate the player's public apology and will use this as an opportunity to clarify."


"The club has initiated internal disciplinary procedures."


The FFF plans to contact the Argentine Football Association (AFA) about the live footage Fernandez posted on social media after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in Sunday's Copa America final. In a statement, the FFF said that president Philippe Diallo "strongly condemns the unacceptable discriminatory remarks made against the players of the French team."


The FFF continued, "Considering the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to sporting and human rights values, the FFF president has decided to appeal directly to the Argentine side and to FIFA to file a lawsuit for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks." Note . "


The Argentine Football Association has been contacted for comment.


France beat Argentina in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, and Argentina beat France in the final at the 2022 World Cup.


A FIFA spokesman said that "we are aware of the video that has spread on social media" and that "the incident is under investigation."


It added that "FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials."


Chelsea said it considers "any form of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable." He added: "We pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive club, where people of all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome."