Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says there will be “no issues” with Enzo Fernandes joining the club’s pre-season tour as the club continues to face disciplinary proceedings over racism allegations.
Fernandez and several of his Argentina teammates chanted an insulting song mocking the traditions of the French team in an Instagram Live video posted on his account after France’s win over Colombia in the Copa America final earlier this month.
Fernandes’ Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on X with the words: “Football 2024: Racism unchecked.”
Before Chelsea and FIFA launched investigations into the incident, Fernandes apologised on Instagram for posting the video and for any offence it may have caused.
The midfielder is due to join Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States on Monday and Maresca believes there will be no problem with his return.
“I think it’s a very simple thing in that the player has made a statement, apologised and the club has done the same, so I don’t think there’s anything to add on the situation. It’s already clear,” Maresca said ahead of his first game as manager, away to Wrexham in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“At the end of the day, they are all human beings. I don’t think any of them have any ill intentions. I don’t think there will be any problems if Enzo returns. The player has already made the situation clear, the club is doing the same, so I have nothing to add.”
“And again, they’re not bad people or bad human beings. It happens. I don’t think it’s OK at all. I’ve spoken to all of them and the players have already made statements and apologised, so that’s clear.”
Chelsea captain Reece James also hopes the club and his teammates can move on from the incident.
“It was obviously a very difficult situation. Enzo accepted he had done something wrong. He put his hands up and apologised to the club, to the team and to those who were offended,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s any need to fix it because he hasn’t arrived yet. We’ll have to make a judgment call when he gets back. Hopefully we’re all on the same page and can move forward from this situation.”
Sky Sports News FIFA has reportedly launched an investigation into the incident and is considering speaking to Fernandes.
A FIFA spokesman said: “FIFA strongly condemns any discrimination by anyone, including players, fans or officials.”
Chelsea striker David Datolo Fofana, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, responded on social media, writing: “The football I love is multi-ethnic.”
“Racism in all its forms must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Such behaviour has no place in football, or anywhere else.”
“This fight needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in the sport.”
Fernandez: I’m so sorry.
The statements from Chelsea and FIFA came after Fernandes said he was “deeply sorry” for the video.
“This song contains some very offensive words and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old said.
“I am against all forms of discrimination and I apologize for getting caught up in the Copa America celebrations.”
“That video, that moment and those words do not reflect my beliefs or character.
“I’m so sorry.”
French Football Federation files lawsuit
The French Football Federation announced it would take legal action against the Argentine players for “racist and discriminatory remarks”.
The French Football Federation (FFF) said in a statement that president Philippe Diallo would demand answers from FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association president Claudio Fabian Tapia over the alleged comments.
The statement read: “President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the French team in a song sung by players and supporters after the Argentine team’s victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media.”
“Faced with the gravity of these shocking comments, which go against sporting and human rights values, the FFF President has decided to directly challenge the Argentine President and FIFA and to file a legal complaint against them for what he calls racist, discriminatory and insulting comments.”
During Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final, where they beat France on penalties, some of the Argentina team’s fans could be heard singing racist songs.
