A celebratory moment for Argentina’s national soccer team has turned into a controversy, as calls mount for team captain Lionel Messi to apologize for racist chants made by players following their Copa America victory. The incident has sparked international outrage and prompted responses from government officials, soccer clubs, and FIFA.
The Controversial Chant
Following Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida, a video surfaced on social media showing members of the triumphant squad singing a racist chant targeting French players of African heritage. The chant, which had previously emerged among some Argentina fans before the 2022 World Cup final against France, singles out French players with African roots.
Calls for Apology
Julio Garro, Argentina’s sports sub-secretary, has called on Messi and Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA), to issue apologies. “The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same AFA president,” Garro stated in radio interviews. “I think it is appropriate. It leaves us as a country in a bad position, with so much glory.”
While it’s unclear from the video whether Messi participated in the chant, his status as team captain and global soccer icon has put him at the center of the controversy.
Enzo Fernandez’s Apology and Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was visible in the video, has issued a public apology on Instagram. “I am truly sorry,” Fernandez stated, adding, “That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”
In response, Chelsea FC has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez. The club released a statement saying, “We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome. We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”
FIFA Investigation
FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, has announced it is looking into the incident. “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” the organization stated. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
The French soccer federation has pledged to file a complaint with FIFA over the “racist and discriminatory remarks.”
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing issues of racism in soccer and raises questions about the responsibility of high-profile players and organizations in combating discrimination. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously committed to relaunching a task force to monitor racist incidents, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to racism in the sport.
The controversy also underscores the power of social media in amplifying such incidents and the need for swift, decisive action from clubs, national associations, and governing bodies.
As the soccer world awaits further developments, including potential disciplinary actions from FIFA and the AFA, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism in sports and the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect both on and off the field.
Source: The Associated Press
