On his personal Instagram page, midfielder Enzo Fernandez of the Argentina team wrote a public apology letter: "I want to sincerely apologize for a video posted on my Instagram channel during a celebration with the national team. The song contains highly offensive language and there is no excuse for these words.
I oppose discrimination in all its forms and apologize for being caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or character. I am really sorry!".
The incident stemmed from Enzo Fernandez and the Argentina team winning 1-0 against Colombia to successfully defend the championship at Copa America 2024.
During the party celebrating Argentina's 16th South American championship, out of excitement, midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a celebration video as he and his teammates danced and sang jubilantly. However, the above song contains many racist words against French players - the team that Argentina defeated in the 2022 World Cup final.
The song's implication is that African players play for the French team thanks to their French passports. Another part also mocks Kylian Mbappe because this player was once rumored to be dating a transgender model. It is worth mentioning that these words were chanted by some Argentinian fans when the 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina ended and the South American team won the championship.
The incident angered Enzo Fernandez's French teammates at Chelsea. Six French players, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu, have unfollowed Enzo Fernandez on Instagram.
The video posted by Enzo Fernandez has gone viral and trended on social networking platforms, especially on social network X.
The French Football Federation (FFF) then also filed a complaint with the International Football Federation (FIFA) about the actions of the Argentine players. FFF affirmed: "FFF President Philippe Diallo strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory words against the players of the French team in a song by the players and fans. Argentina team sings".
As for FIFA, FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed that the 211 member football federations must have a zero-tolerance attitude towards racism.
Meanwhile, Chelsea club has begun an investigation into Enzo Fernandez's video. Most likely, Enzo Fernandez will face a heavy fine from FIFA and Chelsea.
