FIFA Faces Questions Over Enzo Fernandez Racism Controversy

Kick It Out Questions FIFA’s Response to Enzo Fernandez Incident
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out has publicly challenged FIFA over its handling of the racism allegations involving Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The incident dates back to the summer of 2024 when Fernandez, along with other players, was filmed singing a chant deemed racist and discriminatory following Argentina’s Copa America triumph.

The Incident and Fernandez’s Apology

In the aftermath of Argentina’s victory, Fernandez and several teammates were recorded on the team bus singing lyrics targeting French players of African heritage. The chant was swiftly condemned by France’s football association, which filed a formal complaint to FIFA.

Fernandez later issued a public apology and underwent an internal disciplinary process at Chelsea. Despite this, no match bans or further sanctions were imposed, and Fernandez was subsequently named vice-captain of the club by head coach Enzo Maresca at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Kick It Out’s Call for Accountability
Kick It Out’s chief executive, Samuel Okafor, has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, demanding clarity on whether Fernandez or other players involved in the incident will face consequences.

In a statement shared with the BBC, Okafor expressed frustration over the lack of transparency:
“Establishing the facts and reaching an outcome should not be an extraordinary or difficult task for organizations who want to take discrimination seriously. Many in the football community are awaiting answers.”

Comparison with Rodrigo Bentancur’s Case
Kick It Out also highlighted the case of Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, who was banned for seven matches after making discriminatory comments about teammate Son Heung-min. Okafor questioned why Fernandez and other Argentina players had not been held to the same standard.

“You’ll be aware that Bentancur has recently been held accountable by the FA for making discriminatory remarks,” Okafor wrote. “Many fans have asked us why the Argentina team has not been held to account in the same manner.”

Call for a United Front Against Discrimination
The letter concluded with a plea for FIFA to demonstrate a unified commitment to combating discrimination:
“It’s vital we present a united front to tackle discrimination. Otherwise, claims from federations that action is being taken fall at the first hurdle.”