Chelsea have "instigated an internal disciplinary procedure" after Enzo Fernandez posted a video on his Instagram which the French Football Federation (FFF) alleged was racist.
After Argentina defeated Colombia in the Copa America final, Fernandez and some of his teammates were singing a derogatory song about the France team during a live video published on the midfielder’s account.
Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, reposted the video on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism".
Chelsea condemned Fernandez’s actions and confirmed that they are signing an investigation on the video.
"Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable," it said, posted hours after Fernandez apologised.
"We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
"We acknowledge and appreciate our player's public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure."
After the FFF announced that they would file a complaint to FIFA against Fernandez, the 23-year-old midfielder apologised for the video and stated that there were no excuses for the words he and his teammates used during the video.
"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," the 23-year-old said. "I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
"That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."
The FFF, in a statement, confirmed that their president Philippe Diallo will challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the alleged racist remarks.
“The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media,” the FFF said in a press release.
"Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature."
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