27.2 C
Accra
Saturday, February 8, 2025
HomeSportsEPLFIFA Faces Scrutiny Over Fernandez Sanction

FIFA Faces Scrutiny Over Fernandez Sanction

Date:

spot_img

Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out has asked FIFA what, if any, action the world football’s governing body has taken regarding the racism row surrounding Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last summer.

The Argentina international filmed himself and several of his compatriots singing a foul-mouthed chant in the aftermath of the 2024 Copa America final. The lyrics were aimed at French footballers of African heritage and were condemned as “racist and discriminatory” by France’s football association in a formal complaint to FIFA.

Fernandez issued a public apology and was the subject of an “internal disciplinary procedure” from Chelsea in July. Once the 2024/25 Premier League season began, the Blues’ new head coach Enzo Maresca made the Argentine vice-captain.

Kick It Outchief executive, Samuel Okafor, sent a letter to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and his counterpart at the South American Confederation, CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, asking questions of whether Fernandez will face any consequences, according to a report from the BBC.

“Despite making inquiries to the FA and FIFA, we and many others have not been told if there has been any investigation or outcome into his or any other players’ conduct. 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.

“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 underway 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 Fernandez was seen singing, although we recognize he was not alone in those actions as many players can be heard during the video.

“Chelsea said Fernandez 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.”

Kick It Out’s letter also pointed to the punishment handed out to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguay international was charged by the English Football Association after making derogatory comments about his South Korean teammate Son Heung-min in June – not long before Fernandez’s video.

As Okafor pointed out, Bentancur was banned for seven matches this season: “You’ll be aware that Bentancur has recently been held accountable by the FA for making discriminatory remarks. Many fans have asked us why the Argentina team has not been held to account in the same manner and fear what that means.”

“It’s vital we present a united front to tackle discrimination,” the letter concluded. “Otherwise, claims from federations that action is being taken fall at the first hurdle

Send your news stories to editor@max.com.gh and via WhatsApp on +233 506-367-196
Join our WhatsApp channel for the latest news and updates.

- Sponsored -

Stay Connected

562,687FansLike
2,072FollowersFollow
433,500FollowersFollow
50,215FollowersFollow
88,733SubscribersSubscribe

Latest stories

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Stories

PHOTOS: Relive Epiphany Warriors vs. Halifax Queens EPIC encounter

Epiphany Warriors clawed their way back to a deserving...

MGWPL on Max TV: Epiphany misses chance to go top

Epiphany Ladies and Halifax Queens played out an exciting...

Ashanti Regional Council Clarifies Recall of Specific DRIP Machines, Denies Full Recall

In a recent press release, the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating...

FIFA Suspends Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) Indefinitely

FIFA has suspended the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) from...

Black Queens to face Morocco in friendly

The Ghana Football Association has announced a friendly match...

Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo, ‘Buffalo Soldier,’ Goes Home Today

Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo, a distinguished Ghanaian soldier known...

CARABAO CUP: Liverpool set up EPIC final clash with Newcastle

Holders Liverpool booked their place in the final of...

AGRIC CORNER: KNUST Researchers Develop Batteries from taro/brobe peels

A team of researchers from the Kwame Nkrumah University...

MGWPL on Max TV: Epiphany target top spot

Epiphany Warriors are determined to maintain their good form...

Jimmy Butler bags sensational move to Warriors

Jimmy Butler has been traded by the Miami Heat...