Enzo Fernandez apologises after 'racist' chants aimed at France players following Copa win

French federation looks to file legal complaint after footage emerges of Argentina players celebrating Copa America victory

Argentina's Enzo Fernandez has apologised for a video he posted on social media that included alleged offensive chants directed at French players. Reuterss

Argentina players have kicked up a storm after a video of them singing highly objectionable chants about French players surfaced.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has said it will file a legal complaint over alleged "racially offensive and discriminatory remarks" made by Argentina players following their Copa America victory over Colombia on Sunday.

A video posted on Instagram by Argentina and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez showed the Argentina players appearing to sing about French players with African heritage.

Some players, including Fernandez, can be heard singing a chant apparently aimed at France's star striker Kylian Mbappe and includes other insults.

"Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and Fifa and to file a legal complaint for racial and discriminatory offensive remarks," the FFF said in a statement.

Fernandez's Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana also criticised the video on social media.

"Football in 2024: racism without a complex," the French international said on X, formerly Twitter.

French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also urged football's governing body Fifa to take action.

"Pathetic. Behaviour all the more unacceptable because it is repeated," Oudea-Castera wrote on X.

Fernandez later apologised for the video.

"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," Fernandez said on Instagram.

"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character."

Argentina and France have had a heated rivalry since the South Americans' last 16 elimination to eventual champions France at the 2018 World Cup. The Argentines then defeated France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi holds the Copa America trophy while celebrating with teammates after defeating Colombia 1-0 in final Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday, July 15, 2024. AP Photo

Lionel Messi of Argentina puts on his medal after his side's victory in the Copa America final. AP

Lionel Messi of Argentina is all smiles after helping his side claim a record 16th Copa America title. AFP

Argentina players celebrate their 1-0 extra-time victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. AFP

Lionel Messi of Argentina in action against Colombia's James Rodriguez. EPA

Argentina forward Lionel Messi and midfielder Enzo Fernandez celebrate their team's 1-0 win over Colombia. EPA

Argentina forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch in tears midway through the second half after picking up an ankle injury. AFP

Argentina goalscorer Lautaro Martinez of receives the top scorer trophy. AFP

Lautaro Martinez of Argentina in action against Colombia's Johan Mojica. EPA

Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates after scoring in extra time. AFP

Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina celebrate. AFP

Angel Di Maria played his last game for Argentina, walking away with a winner's medal in the Copa America final. AFP

The incident has taken some sheen off what was a memorable day for Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Messi was in tears as he watched his team battle for victory from the sidelines. Injury prevented him from finishing what was likely his last match for Argentina at a major tournament but his teammates delivered the Copa America title.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner hurt his ankle in the 36th minute of the final against Colombia but soldiered on until the 66th minute when he limped off the field in tears, before strapping an ice pack to his swollen ankle on the bench.

With the game finely poised, Argentina raised their game and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory and a record 16th Copa title.