Enzo Fernandez Addresses Controversy Over Discriminatory Video and Strengthens Team Relationships

Enzo Fernandez has faced internal criticism at Chelsea following a controversial video he shared on social media. The Chelsea midfielder believes that his response to the backlash has actually reinforced his bond with his teammates.

The 24-year-old was filmed singing offensive songs with his Argentina teammates after their Copa America victory last year. This footage drew sharp criticism from fellow Chelsea player Wesley Fofana, who labeled it as “uninhibited racism.”

Fofana later accepted Fernandez’s apology, which was extended both privately and publicly. Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a British record fee of £106.8 million in January 2023, expressed his regret over the incident. In an interview with GiveMeSport, he remarked, “What happened [being accused of singing a racist song] is not typical of who I am.”

During a summer when he was appointed vice-captain under manager Enzo Maresca, Fernandez made the decision to cut his post-tournament holiday short in order to personally apologize to his teammates during their pre-season tour of the United States. Alongside this, he released a written statement expressing that he was “truly sorry.”

When asked if the incident had fortified his relationships within the team, he affirmed, “Yes, absolutely,” and elaborated, “It was a tough time, but my teammates understood me. It was a euphoric moment in which I didn’t want to hurt anyone. It was just a song that we sing in Argentina as part of ‘football folklore,’ as we call it. I tried to apologize to the squad to show my teammates that I’m not the type to discriminate or judge others. They understood my message and that’s where it all ended.”

The French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a complaint with FIFA, labeling the video as “racist and discriminatory” for its targeting of the ethnicity of their players. However, no disciplinary measures were taken by the Premier League, Football Association, or UEFA, as the incident fell under the jurisdiction of Conmebol, the South American governing body, due to its occurrence during international duty.

In January, the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out raised concerns with FIFA regarding the lack of action taken against Fernandez.