Enzo Fernandez Reflects on Controversial Video and Strengthened Team Dynamics

Enzo Fernandez has addressed the criticism he faced from within the Chelsea dressing room following the release of a controversial video on social media.

The Chelsea midfielder stated that his relationship with his teammates improved as a result of how he managed the backlash from sharing a video deemed “racist and discriminatory”. The incident occurred after Fernandez, 24, filmed himself alongside his Argentina teammates singing songs with offensive content after their Copa America victory last year.

Fernandez’s Chelsea colleague, Wesley Fofana, publicly criticized the video, labeling it as “uninhibited racism.” However, Fofana later accepted an apology from Fernandez, who had transferred to Chelsea from Benfica for a British record fee of £106.8 million in January 2023.

In his first comments regarding the episode to GiveMeSport, Fernandez expressed his surprise at being accused of racism, stating, “What happened is not typical of who I am.”

After becoming Chelsea’s vice-captain under manager Enzo Maresca that summer, Fernandez made a point of cutting his post-tournament holiday short to apologize in person during their pre-season tour in the United States. He also released a written statement expressing his sincere regret.

When asked if the incident had improved his rapport with teammates, he affirmed, “Yes, absolutely,” adding, “It was a tough time, but my teammates understood my intentions.”

Fernandez further explained, “It was a euphoric moment, and I had no intention of offending anyone. It was merely a song that we sing in Argentina as part of our ‘football folklore’. I wanted to show my teammates that I am not someone who discriminates or judges others. They grasped my message, and we moved on.”

In response to the video, the French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a complaint with FIFA, labeling the content as “racist and discriminatory” due to its targeting of ethnicities among their players. However, neither the Premier League, the Football Association, nor UEFA imposed any sanctions, as the incident fell under the jurisdiction of Conmebol, the South American football governing body, since it occurred during international duty with Argentina.

The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out voiced concerns to FIFA in January regarding the lack of action taken against Fernandez.