Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has said there will not be “any problems” with Enzo Fernandez taking part in the pre-season tour amid an ongoing disciplinary process over allegations of racism.
Fernandez and several of his Argentina teammates chanted a derogatory chant disparaging the French team’s heritage in an Instagram live video published on their account after beating Colombia in the Copa America final earlier this month.
Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s teammate at Chelsea, reposted the video on X with the words “Football in 2024: unfettered racism”.
Fernandez apologized on Instagram for posting the video and for any offense the content may have caused, before Chelsea and FIFA opened an investigation into the incident.
The midfielder will join Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States on Monday – and boss Maresca doesn’t think there will be any problems with his return.
“I think it’s very easy for the player to give a statement, to apologize and the club to do the same, so I don’t think there’s anything to add to this situation. It’s clear and obvious,” Maresca said in front. The first game in charge of Wrexham took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“In the end, they are all human. I don’t think there is any bad intention from any of them. I don’t think if Enzo comes back, we will have any problems. The player has explained the problem. The club is doing the same to avoid something needs to be added.
“And, once again, he’s not a bad person or a bad human being. It can happen. I don’t think there’s any problem. I talked to everyone, but the player has made a statement, apologizing. that’s pretty clear.”
Chelsea captain Reece James also hopes his club and team-mates can move on from the incident.
He said: “Obviously it’s a very difficult situation. Enzo has admitted that he made a mistake. He raised his hands and apologized to the club, the team and the people he offended.
“He hasn’t arrived yet, so I don’t think there’s anything to change. I’ll have to make that decision when he comes back. I hope everyone is on the same page and we can move forward from the situation.”
Sky Sports News It is reported that FIFA has started an investigation into the incident and appears to speak with Fernandez.
A FIFA spokesman said: “FIFA condemns all forms of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, reacted by posting on social media: “The football I love is multi-ethnic.
“Racism in all its forms must be condemned in the strongest possible way. Such actions have no place in football or anywhere else.
“This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport.”
Fernandez: I’m sorry
The statement from Chelsea and FIFA came after Fernandez said he was “apologetic” for the video.
“The song includes very offensive language and there is no reason for those words,” the 23-year-old said.
“I am against discrimination in all its forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“The video, the moment, the words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.
“I’m sorry.”
The French Football Federation to file a legal complaint
The French Football Federation said it would file a legal complaint alleging “racist and discriminatory comments” made by the Argentine player.
In a statement, the FFF – France’s football governing body – said its president Philippe Diallo would challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association chief Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the remarks.
The statement read: “The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory comments made against the players of the French team in the context of the song sung by the players and supporters. The Argentine team after the victory in the Copa America and broadcast on video on social media.
“Faced with the seriousness of this terrible comment, which is contrary to the values ​​of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF has decided to immediately challenge his Argentine partner and FIFA, and file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature. .”
Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final, a match in which some fans of the Argentine team were heard singing discriminatory chants.
