New coach Enzo Maresca said midfielder Enzo Fernandez has apologized to Chelsea after the racist incident and was forgiven by the club after a stern warning.
A week ago, Fernandez caused trouble when he filmed himself and his teammates on the Argentina national team singing a racist song aimed at French players after their victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.
Fernandez’s thoughtless actions have caused internal conflict at Chelsea, because the West London club owns many black French players such as Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi. They immediately unfollowed the Argentine midfielder on social media.
In it, Wesley Fofana also posted the message: “Football in 2024: Racism is still rampant” in response to Fernandez.
According to the British media, not only the French players but also Chelsea’s black players in general want to boycott Fernandez.
Chelsea later confirmed that they would intervene and consider punishing Fernandez to stabilize the dressing room before the new season. Enzo himself later deleted the clip and soon apologized to everyone.
Coach Enzo Maresca said that the Blues’ board of directors probably only severely warned Fernandez because this player had proactively contacted and apologized to the club as well as those involved.
The new Chelsea captain emphasized: “I think there will be no problem when Enzo Fernandez returns to Chelsea. I have talked to Enzo and know that he did not intentionally cause conflict. Now everything has been clearly explained
Enzo has talked and apologized to the club, there is no problem. I think that story is over and now it is time for us to focus on preparing for the new season”.
Now, Enzo will have to wait and see if he faces any FIFA sanctions, or if so, what they will be. Previously, according to sports lawyer Udo Onwere, Enzo was facing a 12-match ban.
Onwere cited the following rule: “A suspension of between six and 12 matches will be recommended to the governing body for almost any discriminatory conduct by participants on an individual basis.”
