Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Anti-racism body asks FIFA about Enzo Copa chant

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Thursday, 16 January 2025 15:13

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has sent a letter to FIFA and CONMEBOL over the investigation into Enzo Fernández after the Argentina star posted an allegedly racist and anti-gay chant on social media last summer.

Chelsea midfielder Fernández, 23, posted a video of the Argentina team singing about French players with African heritage after beating Colombia in the Copa América final.

In the letter sent on Monday, which has been verified by ESPN, Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor wrote that the group had repeatedly asked FIFA and the English Football Association (FA) as to the progress of an investigation into the chant, which Fernández apologised for after the French Football Federation filed a legal complaint, saying he was "caught up in the euphoria" of winning the international competition.

A source told ESPN's James Olley in September that the FA was not going to probe the matter as the incident falls under the jurisdiction of FIFA because it took place while the player was on international duty.

That directly contrasts with the seven-game ban handed down by the FA to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur following his comment that South Koreans "all look the same" during an interview.

That was investigated by the English body as the Uruguay international made the comments on the country's Canal 10 TV channel in June when appearing in a personal capacity, not as an international player.

"Establishing the facts and reaching an outcome should not be an extraordinary or difficult task for organisations who want to take discrimination seriously," Okafor wrote in the letter.

"On behalf of many in the football community who are invested in this case, we would appreciate it if you could let us know if an investigation is under way and when you intend to reach an outcome.

"Several of the players were filmed singing a song on the team coach which was both racist and transphobic about France's players. Midfielder Enzo Fernández was clearly seen singing, although we recognise he was not alone in those actions as many players can be heard during the video.

"Chelsea said Fernández would take part in education to learn from his mistake. However, it's important to note how this incident and its handling would have affected a wider community both in England and globally."

Okafor added that a lack of any investigation would be symbolic of a "deeply concerning lack of transparency and accountability, especially given how widely this incident was seen."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched an anti-racism taskforce in May 2024 -- having shut down the predecessor in 2018 after declaring its work complete -- and asked all 211 member federations to mandate racist abuse in football as a disciplinary offence.

"As Mr Infantino outlined in May 2024, where federations described their intent to take a global stand against racism, it's vital we present a united front to tackle discrimination," the letter adds. "Otherwise, claims from federations that action is being taken fall at the first hurdle."

ESPN has reached out to FIFA and CONMEBOL for comment on the investigation and Kick It Out's letter but did not immediately receive a response.

Kick It Out declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.

Information from ESPN's Lizzy Becherano contributed to this report.

Read 60 times

Soccer

Bundesliga history made with 8 goals in 1st half

Bundesliga history made with 8 goals in 1st half

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsUnion Berlin and VfB Stuttgart made history on Saturday as the firs...

Inter Miami wins in front of record Crew crowd

Inter Miami wins in front of record Crew crowd

Benjamin Cremaschi scored on a diving header in the 30th minute and Inter Miami beat the Columbus Cr...

Barça net 'unbelievable' win, fear for Lewandowski

Barça net 'unbelievable' win, fear for Lewandowski

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona coach Hansi Flick lauded Barcelona's "unbelievable" comeb...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Redick: Wolves' 'physicality' caught us off guard

Redick: Wolves' 'physicality' caught us off guard

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- After pushing themselves in the play-in tournament t...

Knicks go on 21-0 run as miscues tank Pistons

Knicks go on 21-0 run as miscues tank Pistons

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- The young, upstart Detroit Pistons, who had more than t...

Baseball

Yanks' Williams blows 4-run lead; ERA up to 9.00

Yanks' Williams blows 4-run lead; ERA up to 9.00

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTAMPA, Fla. -- Three-and-a-half weeks into his New York Yankees car...

Berrios confronts Raleigh, suspects pitch tipping

Berrios confronts Raleigh, suspects pitch tipping

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- Right-hander Jose Berrios suspected Seattle Mariners cat...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated