The international governing body of football, FIFA, announced the opening of an investigation on Thursday following the release of a video on social media featuring several players from the Argentina Copa America-winning squad chanting a song with offensive lyrics targeting several players who play for France.
The French Football Federation (FFF) filed a complaint with the relevant governing body, prompting an investigation into “racist and homophobic” chants by Argentina players, including midfielder Enzo Fernández, who plays for English club Chelsea.
The chants targeted several French players of African descent, including Real Madrid’s star Kylian Mbappé. The chants were recorded during a live video taken on the team bus posted by Fernandez after Argentina’s Copa America victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.
“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” a spokesperson for FIFA said, according to Bein Sports. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans, and officials.”
Fernandez later apologized for the dissemination of the video. In a social media statement, he said, “I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”
Chelsea FC has also taken disciplinary measures against Fernandez.
The club issued an official statement following the player’s public apology. “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable. We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure,” the statement read.