France complain to FIFA over 'racist chant' from Argentina squad

  • Argentina beat Colombia in Copa America final
  • Squad filmed signing offensive chant towards French players in celebrations
  • Chelsea's Wesley Fofana responded to video from teammate Enzo Fernandez
The Argentina squad have been accused of racism
The Argentina squad have been accused of racism / BSR Agency/GettyImages
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The French Football Federation have submitted a formal complaint to FIFA after the Argentina squad were filmed singing an offensive chant in the aftermath of their Copa America victory.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a video to social media in which he can be seen singing a derogatory chant about French players alongside the vast majority of the Argentina squad. The chant, which references the African heritage of a number of French players, was heard when the two nations met in the 2022 World Cup final.

The video has been widely condemned and the FFF confirmed they had contacted FIFA to begin legal proceedings.

"The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks that were made against the players of the French team during a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentine team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social networks," a statement read.

"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 appeal to his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks."


Wesley Fofana
Fofana publicly condemned the video / Catherine Steenkeste/GettyImages

Fernandez's Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana issued a disappointed response on social media, sharing the video alongside the caption: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism".

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have opened an investigation into Fernandez's conduct and are treating it seriously.

Chelsea have a number of French players in their squad. Alongside Fofana, Stamford Bridge is home to Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Malang Sarr, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku.


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