A matter that reaches the (almost) top of the State. While Argentinian Enzo Fernandez was strongly criticized after singing songs - with other players - about the skin color of members of the France team, the vice-president of the country denied the racist nature of the song. On her account, she stated, "No colonialist country will intimidate us."
Victoria Villarruel, the vice-president of Argentina, defended the national team players, stating, "Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We have never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone. But we won't tolerate it being done to us either. Argentina was built with the sweat and courage of Indians, Europeans, Creoles, and blacks like Remedios del Valle, Sergeant Cabral, and Bernardo de Monteagudo."
She added, "No colonialist country will intimidate us for a song or for telling the truths that it does not want to admit. Enough of feigning indignation, hypocrites. Enzo Fernandez, I support you, Messi, thank you for everything," to defend the Albiceleste.
Earlier in the day, Javier Milei had dismissed Julio Garro, his deputy undersecretary of state for Sports. Garro had demanded an apology from captain Lionel Messi over the incident. The FFF contacted FIFA, which opened an investigation.
After winning the Copa America, Argentine national team players caused outrage with racist chants. The incident has a history. During the celebrations on the team bus, several players sang racist songs about French players of African descent. The video, which was posted on Instagram by Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, caused outrage around the world.
A video circulating on social media shows Argentine players singing racist songs about French players of African descent in the team bus after their Copa America final victory (1-0 against Colombia after extra time). Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, who originally posted the video on Instagram, became the focus of criticism.
The chant is primarily aimed at numerous French national players with African roots and de facto denies that they are French. Even superstar Kylian Mbappé was insulted by name. French defender Wesley Fofana, who like Fernandez also plays for Chelsea, shared the video on his social media channels and described it as "unbridled racism."
The French Football Federation (FFF) reacted immediately to the incident and announced that it would file a complaint with FIFA. "Given the seriousness of these shocking statements, which contradict the values of sport and human rights, the President of the FFF has decided to address his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA directly," said FFF President Philippe Diallo. He condemned the statements as "unacceptable" and "shocking."
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra also commented on the incident. On the X platform, she wrote: "Pathetic. Behavior that is even more unacceptable when it is repeated." She called on FIFA to respond clearly: "FIFA: a response?"
Before the World Cup final in Qatar against France (4:2 on penalties) two years ago, Argentinian fans had already started chanting similar racist chants - now these were taken up by the players. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced a zero-tolerance policy towards racism at the time and promised to reinstate a task force to monitor such incidents. The current incident, however, shows that racism in football continues to be a serious problem.
The incident after the Copa America final, in which there was a complete loss of control in terms of organization, could have serious consequences for the Argentine players involved. The French Football Association is demanding harsh penalties and a clear statement from FIFA. The significance of this incident extends far beyond football and highlights the need to consistently combat racism in all areas of society.
