Reports: Enzo Fernandez returns to Chelsea, apologises to team-mates as club close investigation after racism row
By James Hilsum
Updated 30/07/2024 at 23:33 GMT+1
Enzo Fernandez will reportedly not face any sanctions from Chelsea, after the club conducted their own investigation into a controversial video that was published in the aftermath of Argentina's victory in the Copa America final. The 23-year-old was condemned for his role in a video showing Argentina's players celebrating with a song that has been labelled "racist and discriminatory".
'Clear and clarified' – Chelsea boss Maresca wants Enzo Fernandez saga put to bed
Video credit: SNTV
Chelsea have reportedly now closed their investigation into the actions of Enzo Fernandez, as the Argentine linked up with his team-mates on the club’s tour of the United States.
The 23-year-old has apologised to several French players in the squad for a video that was posted on his social media channels in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America triumph.
It is reported that the apology was accepted, as Fernandez joined his Chelsea team-mates in Atlanta on Monday.
Fernandez and several Argentina players were filmed signing a song about France’s Black players, which was described by team-mate Wesley Fofana as "uninhibited racism".
The French Football Federation also condemned the footage and believed it to contain a "racist and discriminatory" chant.
Chelsea have reportedly decided that no further action needs to be taken after the midfielder made an offer to donate money to an anti-racism and anti-discrimination charity. The club will match the donations to the same charity.
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'Clear and clarified' – Chelsea boss Maresca wants Enzo Fernandez saga put to bed
Video credit: SNTV
FIFA are continuing their investigation, and any involvement from the FA could result in Fernandez facing a potential ban.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has already sought to diffuse the situation and believed there would be no issues in the squad.
When asked if there would be any problems with the Argentine returning to the squad, he replied: "I don't think so. They are all human beings. I don't think there are any bad intentions from any of them.
"I don't think when Enzo is back that we will have any situations. Enzo clarified the situation, the club the same, so there is nothing to add. They are not bad persons or human beings.
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"It can happen but I don't think there are any problems at all. I spoke with Enzo and all of them."
Maresca added in his press conference on Tuesday, on a team meeting that involved both Fofana and Fernandez: "The meeting was between Enzo, some of his mates, Wesley was there.
"They spoke with each other. It is normal sometimes the first reaction is not good. They know Enzo better than me and they know he is a good guy."
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Argentina fans celebrate in viewing parties across Buenos Aires after Copa America victory
Video credit: SNTV
Captain Reece James echoed those sentiments and stressed the need to move forward from the incident ahead of the Argentine's return.
He added: "It's a difficult situation and Enzo has acknowledged he was wrong and quickly put his hand up to apologise to the club, team and people offended.
"Enzo hasn't arrived yet. I will have to make that judgement [on whether to get involved] when he does. I hope everyone can move forward with the situation.
"I've spoken to Enzo and everyone involved but the conversations have to stay in house."
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