The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out asked FIFA what measures the world football body took last summer in connection with the racism dispute surrounding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina international filmed himself and several of his compatriots singing a foul chant after the Copa America 2024 final. The text was aimed at French footballers of African descent and was condemned as “racist and discriminatory” by the French Football Federation in a formal complaint to FIFA.
Fernandez publicly apologized and was subjected to “internal disciplinary action” by Chelsea in July. At the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the Blues’ new head coach, Enzo Maresca, appointed the Argentine as vice-captain.
Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his counterpart at South American confederation CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, questioning whether Fernandez will face consequences, a FIFA report said BBC.
“Despite checking with the FA and FIFA, we and many others have not been told whether there has been an investigation or outcome into his behavior or that of other players. Establishing the facts and achieving a result should not be an extraordinary or difficult task for organizations that want to take discrimination seriously,” Okafor wrote.
“On behalf of many members of the football community involved in this case, we would appreciate if you could let us know whether an investigation is underway and when you intend to reach a conclusion.”
“Several players were filmed singing a song about the team coach that was both racist and transphobic towards France’s players. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was clearly seen singing, although we realize he was not alone in these actions as many players can be heard during this video.
“Chelsea said Fernandez would attend educational events to learn from his mistake. However, it is important to note the impact this incident and its handling would have had on the wider community both in England and globally.”
Kick It Out’s letter also highlighted the penalty handed out to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguay international was charged by the English Football Association after he made derogatory comments about his South Korean teammate Son Heung-min in June – not long before Fernandez’s video.
As Okafor pointed out, Bentancur has been banned for seven games this season: “You will be aware that Bentancur was recently taken to task by the FA for discriminatory comments. Many fans have asked us why the Argentine team has not been held accountable in the same way and fear what that means.
“It is important that we act together against discrimination,” the letter concludes. “Otherwise the associations’ claims that measures are being taken will fail at the first hurdle.”