FIFA says opening probe into Argentina players' racist chants

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

FIFA said yesterday it was opening an investigation into racist chants by Argentina players after they won the Copa America.

"FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into," a spokesperson for world football's governing body said. They added: "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 Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.

Some players, including 23-year-old Fernandez, sing a chant dating back to the 2022 World Cup final in which Argentina beat France.

The song targets France's star striker Kylian Mbappe among others and includes racist and homophobic insults. Chelsea had earlier announced they had launched an internal disciplinary procedure against Fernandez over the incident.

Fernandez has apologised and the club said in a statement it had launched an "internal disciplinary procedure". "Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable," it added.

"We acknowledge and appreciate our player's public apology and will use this 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, said in his apology: "The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.

"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations."

Javier Mascherano, the coach of Argentina's Olympic football team, said he felt the video had been "taken out of context" as he sprang to the defence of Fernandez.

"Argentines, if there's one thing we're not, it's racists, far from that," said Mascherano. "I know Enzo, he's a great guy. He doesn't have any problems like that," insisted the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder.

"Often, as part of a celebration, you can take part of a video and take it out of context. "If there's one thing we are as a country, it's a totally inclusive country.

People from all over the world live in Argentina and we treat them as they should be treated."