Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernandez Faces Suspension Over Alleged Racist Behavior Towards African-French Players.
According to English media, the Football Association (FA) may launch an investigation into the racist incident involving Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea midfielder, along with some of his Argentina national teammates, sang a controversial song targeting players of African descent in the French national team.
A sports lawyer in England, speaking to the Daily Mail, suggested that if the FA finds sufficient evidence of Enzo’s racist behavior, he could face a suspension of up to 12 matches in English football competitions.
The FA has recently initiated several campaigns against racism. Previously, many players have been fined or suspended for actions that violated the conduct rules set by the FA or FIFA. English media believe that while the FA has yet to intervene, public pressure might lead to a heavy sanction against Enzo to set an example.
FIFA has already begun investigating the video showing Enzo and the Argentine players making racist remarks about African-French players. Specifically, on a bus after the Copa America victory celebration, the expensive Chelsea midfielder and some teammates sang: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But they carry French nationality.”
Enzo has faced backlash from numerous Chelsea teammates, including French internationals Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, and Malang Sarr, who have all unfollowed him on Instagram.
Fofana even posted a message saying, “Football in 2024: racism is still rampant,” in response to Enzo’s actions.Only Nicolas Jackson has defended Enzo, stating that his teammate has always been friendly towards people of color and has no racist prejudices.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding Enzo’s racist behavior. If FIFA concludes that Enzo was indeed racist, the midfielder could face a suspension from playing for the Argentina national team.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea has also initiated an internal investigation into Enzo, but the midfielder is likely to receive only a two-week wage fine. Udo Onwere, a sports lawyer at Bray & Krais and a former Fulham player, stated that Chelsea might opt for a financial penalty to ensure Enzo remains a key player for the upcoming season.
Chelsea signed Enzo from Benfica in mid-season 2022-2023 for a record £107 million. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the Chelsea team under managers Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Mauricio Pochettino. As long as he stays injury-free, he is expected to be a regular starter alongside Moises Caicedo.
