Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s talented midfielder, recently found himself at the center of controversy, but the Football Association (FA) has decided not to take disciplinary action against him.
The issue arose from a video shared on social media after Argentina’s Copa America victory, which showed Fernandez and his teammates involved in a celebratory chant that was later deemed offensive.
The Video That Sparked the Controversy
Following Argentina’s win in July, a video surfaced where Fernandez and his teammates were seen chanting a song that targeted the French national team.
The chant included discriminatory remarks, leading FIFA and Chelsea to launch an investigation.
Since Fernandez plays in the English Premier League, there were early suggestions that the FA might step in as well.
FA Decides Not to Investigate
Despite the expectations, the FA has announced they will not be investigating Fernandez’s role in the video.
Their decision is based on the fact that the video was recorded while Fernandez was on international duty with Argentina, making it a matter for FIFA and CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football.
Fallout Among Chelsea Teammates
The backlash didn’t stop at the investigation.
The video caused outrage not only among fans but also within Chelsea’s squad.
Some of Fernandez’s teammates, including defender Wesley Fofana, publicly condemned the video, calling it an act of “uninhibited racism.”
In response, several players unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
However, the situation eventually cooled down.
Fofana later reconciled with Fernandez, clarifying that he doesn’t believe the midfielder is racist but needed to be educated on the matter.
Apology and Moving Forward
Fernandez eventually issued an apology for his involvement in the chant, acknowledging its offensive nature.
The song in question gained popularity during the 2022 Qatar World Cup and had been adopted by some Argentine fans and players.
Fernandez was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, though he was playing for Benfica at the time.
Despite the initial fallout, many of Fernandez’s national teammates have since come to his defense.
Now, back at Chelsea, the 23-year-old has been reintegrated into the team and started in their last three matches.
What’s Next for Fernandez?
With the FA stepping aside, the focus is now on how FIFA and CONMEBOL will handle the matter.
For now, Fernandez seems to have put the controversy behind him as he continues to play a key role in Chelsea’s midfield.
However, the long-term impact on his reputation remains to be seen.
