In the wake of Argentina’s triumphant Copa America victory, a troubling controversy has emerged involving racist chants directed at French players. The incident has sparked a wave of criticism and investigations, highlighting the complex interplay between sportsmanship and social responsibility.
On Sunday, Argentina clinched the Copa America title with a 1-0 win over Colombia, but celebrations quickly took a sour turn.
A video posted by Argentina international Enzo Fernandez on Instagram captured some members of the Argentine squad singing a song targeting players of African descent from the French team. The footage has since ignited a heated debate about racism in football.
Hugo Lloris, former captain of the French national team, condemned the behavior, stating that the euphoria of winning does not excuse the offensive content of the chants.
“It doesn’t matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy,” Lloris said in an interview with BBC. “It demands even more responsibility when you are a winner.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) has taken a firm stance, labeling the song as “racist and discriminatory” and calling for FIFA to investigate the matter. FIFA has since opened an inquiry into the video, while Chelsea FC, the club for which Fernandez plays, has also initiated internal disciplinary procedures.
Fernandez issued a public apology, explaining that he was swept up in the celebrations and asserting that the song does not align with his personal beliefs. “I stand against discrimination,” Fernandez said. “The song was a mistake and does not reflect who I am.”
The controversy has not only drawn criticism from the French side but also from within Argentina. Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice-president, defended Fernandez and the team, while Julio Garro, the country’s undersecretary for sports, was dismissed for suggesting that Argentina captain Lionel Messi should apologize for the chants.
Lloris, who captained France to a World Cup victory in 2018, acknowledged Argentina’s achievements in football but emphasized the need for sensitivity and respect.
“Argentina deserves credit for what they have achieved in the sport, having become the face of football in the world,” Lloris said. “But it was a proper attack on the French people, especially for those with African origins.”
Despite the controversy, Fernandez’s teammate Rodrigo De Paul revealed that Messi had explicitly instructed the team not to taunt the opposition. “When the final ended, Messi came and the first thing he said was, ‘nobody taunts anyone, let’s celebrate and enjoy our victory,’” De Paul told OLGA.
The incident underscores the broader issue of racism in football, a sport that has often struggled with discriminatory behavior despite its global reach and influence. As investigations continue, the focus will be on addressing the underlying issues and ensuring that the sport remains a positive force for unity and respect.
The response from both FIFA and Chelsea FC will be closely watched as they navigate the implications of this controversy and work towards a resolution.
