FIFA questioned over Enzo Fernandez’s punishment after Chelsea midfielder’s racist altercation
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out asked FIFA what, if any, action the world football governing body had taken regarding the racist row surrounding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last summer.
The Argentina international filmed himself and several of his compatriots chanting obscenities after the 2024 Copa America final. The lyrics were aimed at French footballers of African descent and were condemned as “racist and discriminatory” by the French Football Federation in an official complaint to FIFA.
Fernandez issued a public apology and was subject to “internal disciplinary action” by Chelsea in July. After the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the new Blues head coach Enzo Maresca became Argentina’s vice-captain.
Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor has sent a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his South American confederation counterpart, CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, questioning whether Fernandez will face any consequences, according to a report from BBC.
“Despite making inquiries to the FA and FIFA, we and many others have not been told whether there has been any investigation or outcome into his or any other player’s conduct. Finding the facts and achieving an outcome should not be an extraordinary or difficult task for organizations who want to take discrimination seriously,” Okafor wrote.
“On behalf of many in the football community involved in this case, we would appreciate it if you could let us know if the investigation is ongoing and when you intend to reach an outcome.
“Several players were filmed singing a song to the team coach that was both racist and transphobic France‘s players. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was clearly seen singing, although we recognize that he was not alone in these actions as many players can be heard during the video.
“Chelsea said Fernandez will participate in education to learn from his mistake. However, it is important to note how this incident and its handling would affect the wider community both in England and globally.”
Kick It Out’s letter also points to the punishment handed down to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. He was a Uruguayan national team member accused the English Football Association after making derogatory comments about his South Korean teammate Son Heung-min in June – shortly before Fernandez’s video.
As Okafor pointed out, Bentancur was banned for seven games this season: “You will be aware that the FA recently held Bentancur responsible for making discriminatory remarks. Many fans have asked us why the Argentine team has not been held accountable in the same way, and they fear what that means.”
“It is important that we present a united front in the fight against discrimination,” the letter concludes. Otherwise, claims from the alliance that something is being done fall at the first hurdle.
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