Chelsea players have reacted to Enzo Fernandez's racially insensitive song, while FIFA is considering intervention.

July 18, 2024 01:14 AM

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has come under fire after a video surfaced showing him singing a racist song directed at the France national team following Argentina's Copa America victory. The video, recorded on a team bus, captured Fernandez and his teammates chanting derogatory remarks about French players with African heritage.

The offensive lyrics included lines such as, "They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French." The video, which was initially shared on Instagram live, sparked immediate backlash.

The French Football Federation swiftly condemned the chant and has taken legal action against those involved, including Fernandez, who was prominently featured in the video.

Following the incident, Enzo Fernandez apologized on social media, attributing his actions to the excitement of celebrating Argentina's Copa America triumph and stressing that the words used "do not reflect my true character or beliefs." Despite his apology, Fernandez faces disciplinary measures from Chelsea and potential legal consequences from the French Football Federation.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, among the French players at the club, publicly criticized Fernandez on social media. Fofana posted a clip of Fernandez singing the chant, labeling it as "uninhibited racism" in a post accompanied by facepalm emojis. Fofana, along with fellow French teammates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, also reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram in response to the incident.

The situation has had a significant impact within the Chelsea squad, which includes several French players such as Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, and Malang Sarr. The club's new manager, Enzo Maresca, faces a challenging environment as he prepares for the upcoming season amidst the controversy surrounding Fernandez.

Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a record fee of £106.8 million, has made 63 appearances in all competitions. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana, signed from Leicester City for an initial £70 million, is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury, having played only 20 games for Chelsea.