Chelsea launches investigation into ‘racist’ video posted by Enzo Fernandez | World News

Chelsea FC is investigating a video shared by record newcomer Enzo Fernandez, who the French Football Federation (FFF) and another Chelsea player have accused of racism.

In a live Instagram video following Argentina’s Copa America victory, 23-year-old Fernandez appears to show himself and his teammates singing a derogatory song about the French team while celebrating.

The FFF announced it would file a complaint, while Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on social media with the caption “Football in 2024: unbridled racism.”

On Wednesday morning, Chelsea, the club that bought Fernandez for a Premier League record fee of £106.8 million in January 2023, released a statement saying it had initiated “disciplinary proceedings”.

“Chelsea Football Club considers any form of discriminatory behaviour to be completely unacceptable,” it said a few hours after Fernandez’s apology.

“We pride ourselves on being a diverse, inclusive club where people of all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.

“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology. We will use this as an opportunity to clarify the matter. The club has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings.”

Fernandez apologized in a social media post on Tuesday evening.

“The song contains highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for those words,” said the 23-year-old.

“I am against discrimination in any form and I apologize for getting carried away by the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.

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

“I’m really sorry.”

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The FFF claims that the song, which is apparently sung by some members of the Argentine national team, is “racist and discriminatory”.

A statement said: “The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the French team in connection with a song sung by players and fans of the Argentine team after their victory in the Copa America and circulated in a video on social media.

“Given the seriousness of these shocking statements, which are contrary to the values ​​of sport and human rights, the President of the FFF has decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and file a complaint for offensive statements of a racist and discriminatory nature.”

Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final and some fans were heard singing discriminatory songs during the match, Sky Sports News reported.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and is investigating the incident. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials.”