FIFA investigate Argentina squad over racist and homophobic chants against France players

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·18 July 2024

FIFA investigate Argentina squad over racist and homophobic chants against France players

Racism row has engulfed Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who filmed the video, but repercussions could be wider

FIFA is investigating the video posted by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez of the Argentina squad singing a racist and homophobic song about France players.

OneFootball Videos

The song was first sung by their fans ahead of the 2022 World Cup Final, in which Argentina beat France. Words include "they play in France but they are all from Angola" and also references players' parents being from Nigeria and Cameroon. The song also directs homophobic insults at France captain Kylian Mbappe.

Fernandez has apologised but the midfielder has sparked a racism storm that has divided the Chelsea dressing room.

His Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana posted the video on social media and said: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism." Fofana and Chelsea team-mates Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi have unfollowed Fernandez on social media, and Chelsea have launched an "internal disciplinary procedure”.

FIFA have now confirmed they are investigating.

“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”

Former France captain Hugo Lloris has described the controversial song sung by some Argentina players as an “attack on French people”.

Lloris said: “It doesn't matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy. It demands even more responsibility when you are a winner.

“You don't want to hear or see this kind of thing in football. We all stand against discrimination and racism.

“I just think and hope it is a mistake. We all make mistakes sometimes and hopefully they will learn from it.”