Chelsea has opted not to take disciplinary action against Enzo Fernández after he was captured on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs aimed at members of the France team. This follows a voluntary donation made by the Argentina midfielder to an anti-discrimination charity.
Fernández shared a video on Instagram showing him and several of his Argentina teammates engaged in the chants during their celebration of winning the Copa América final. Wesley Fofana, a Chelsea and France defender, described the incident as “uninhibited racism.”
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Fernández has apologized via Instagram and in a private message to his Chelsea teammates. The club has stated that they have “initiated an internal disciplinary procedure” against the 23-year-old.
It is reported that Fernández reiterated his apology to the Chelsea squad when he joined them in Atlanta on Monday during the club’s U.S. tour. The players are said to have accepted his apology, with club captain Reece James and France defender Axel Disasi playing key roles in discussions between the players and Fernández. Fofana was also part of the group to which Fernández expressed his apologies.
Fernández has pledged to make a substantial donation to an anti-discrimination charity, which will be facilitated by the Chelsea Foundation, although the specific beneficiary has yet to be determined. Chelsea has committed to matching Fernández’s contribution, having been impressed by the player’s maturity and sense of responsibility upon his return. The internal disciplinary process is understood to have concluded, with Chelsea considering the matter resolved.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emphasized last week that Fernández’s return would not disrupt the harmony of the squad. Fernández has reportedly maintained regular contact with squad members before reunifying with them, although he still faces the possibility of sanctions from football’s governing body, FIFA, which is conducting its own investigation into the incident.
