French Federation Condemns Racist Chants by Argentine Team
The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a complaint with FIFA and vowed to take legal action following racist chants directed at French players by members of the Argentine football team. The disturbing incident occurred after Argentina’s Copa America victory over Colombia, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
FFF President Philippe Diallo strongly condemned the derogatory remarks, labeling them as “unacceptable racist and discriminatory.” He announced that the FFF would contact both FIFA and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to file a formal complaint. Diallo, a prominent figure in UEFA, emphasized the importance of upholding the values of sport and human rights.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera echoed Diallo’s sentiments, describing the chants as “pathetic” and urging FIFA to respond. “This behavior is even more unacceptable because it is repeated,” she stated on social media, demanding immediate action from FIFA.
The controversy stems from a video posted on Instagram by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The video, recorded on the team bus following their Copa America win, showed Argentine players singing a chant that originated during the 2022 World Cup final against France. The song included homophobic slurs and derogatory references to French players of African descent, including star striker Kylian Mbappe.
The rivalry between Argentina and France has intensified since their clash in the 2018 World Cup, where France emerged victorious. The tension resurfaced in 2022 when Argentina won the World Cup final against France, leading to similar discriminatory chants from Argentine fans.
Le football en 2024 : racisme décomplexé 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNU
— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) July 16, 2024
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, a teammate of Fernandez, criticized the video as “uninhibited racism.” Fofana, who has ties to Ivory Coast, is one of several black French players in Chelsea’s first-team squad. He shared the video on social media, calling attention to the issue and condemning the behavior.
Fernandez later apologized for the video, stating that it did not reflect his beliefs or character. “The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” he wrote.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”
The FFF’s decision to file a complaint highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance approach to racism, committing to relaunching a task force to monitor such incidents. However, the recent events have raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
The French federation’s action serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to combat racism in all forms, ensuring that football remains a sport that promotes unity and respect.
As the football world awaits FIFA’s response, the spotlight remains on the need for concrete actions to address and prevent racist behavior. The FFF’s stance sends a clear message that discrimination has no place in football, and those who engage in such conduct must face the consequences.
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