Chelsea have begun disciplinary proceedings in opposition to midfielder Enzo Fernandez after he posted a video on social media that the French Soccer Federation stated included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant.
On Tuesday the FFF stated it will file a grievance to world governing physique Fifa over the video that includes a track sung by a few of the Argentina squad about France’s black gamers.
Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, posted a picture of the video on Instagram, describing it as “uninhibited racism”.
Fernandez – a £107m British file signing in February 2023 – stated he’s “actually sorry” for the video he posted as Argentina celebrated successful the Copa America.
Fifa can also be investigating the video, during which a number of members of the Argentina squad participate in a track initially sung by Argentina followers questioning the heritage of France’s black and combined race gamers.
Chelsea have seven France gamers who’re black or combined race of their first-team squad – Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Malang Sarr.
“The track consists of extremely offensive language and there may be completely no excuse for these phrases,” stated Fernandez.
“I stand in opposition to discrimination in all types and apologise for getting caught up within the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moments, these phrases, don’t mirror my beliefs or my character.”
A Chelsea assertion learn: “We acknowledge and admire our participant’s public apology and can use this as a possibility to coach.
“The membership has instigated an inside disciplinary process.”
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out stated the video is “unacceptable”.
“We stand with and present our full help to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and introduced it to wider consideration,” they added.
“A number of gamers are seen singing the track, which implies there will probably be a wider affect on team-mates and followers at different golf equipment.
“We name upon all related golf equipment, the Argentina federation and Fifa to deal with this regarding concern with empathy, sensitivity and understanding.
“Responses to those incidents can’t begin and finish with an apology. Extra essential is the motion taken afterwards to make sure gamers are educated and held accountable, each in England and on a world scale.”
The FFF will contact the Argentine Soccer Affiliation (AFA) about dwell video posted on social media by Fernandez after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 within the Copa America last on Sunday.
A statement from the FFF, external stated president Philippe Diallo “condemns within the strongest phrases the unacceptable and discriminatory remarks that had been made in opposition to the gamers of the French staff”.
It added: “Confronted with the seriousness of those stunning remarks, opposite to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF determined to straight attraction to his Argentine counterpart and Fifa and to file a authorized grievance for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks.”
The Argentine FA has been approached for remark.
France beat Argentina within the final 16 of the 2018 World Cup, and Argentina beat France within the last of the 2022 World Cup.
A Fifa spokesperson they had been “conscious of a video circulating on social media” and “the incident is being appeared into”.
They added: “Fifa strongly condemns any type of discrimination by anybody together with gamers, followers and officers.”
Chelsea stated they discover “all types of discriminatory behaviour fully unacceptable”.
They added: “We’re proud to be a various, inclusive membership the place individuals from all cultures, communities and identities really feel welcome.”
