Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has despatched a letter to FIFA and CONMEBOL over the investigation into Enzo Fernández after the Argentina star posted an allegedly racist and anti-gay chant on social media final summer season.
Chelsea midfielder Fernández, 23, posted a video of the Argentina workforce singing about French gamers with African heritage after beating Colombia within the Copa América closing.
In the letter despatched on Monday, which has been verified by ESPN, Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor wrote that the group had repeatedly requested FIFA and the English Football Association (FA) as to the progress of an investigation into the mantra, which Fernández apologised for after the French Football Federation filed a authorized criticism, saying he was “caught up within the euphoria” of successful the worldwide competitors.
A source told ESPN’s James Olley in September that the FA was not going to probe the matter because the incident falls underneath the jurisdiction of FIFA as a result of it befell whereas the participant was on worldwide obligation.
That immediately contrasts with the seven-game ban handed down by the FA to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur following his remark that South Koreans “all look the identical” throughout an interview.
That was investigated by the English physique because the Uruguay worldwide made the feedback on the nation’s Canal 10 TV channel in June when showing in a private capability, not as a global participant.
“Establishing the info and reaching an consequence shouldn’t be a unprecedented or tough job for organisations who wish to take discrimination significantly,” Okafor wrote within the letter.
“On behalf of many within the soccer neighborhood who’re invested on this case, we’d recognize it if you happen to may tell us if an investigation is underneath means and while you intend to achieve an consequence.
“Several of the gamers had been filmed singing a music on the workforce coach which was each racist and transphobic about France‘s gamers. Midfielder Enzo Fernández was clearly seen singing, though we recognise he was not alone in these actions as many gamers could be heard throughout the video.
“Chelsea stated Fernández would participate in schooling to be taught from his mistake. However, it is necessary to notice how this incident and its dealing with would have affected a wider neighborhood each in England and globally.”
Okafor added {that a} lack of any investigation could be symbolic of a “deeply regarding lack of transparency and accountability, particularly given how extensively this incident was seen.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched an anti-racism taskforce in May 2024 — having shut down the predecessor in 2018 after declaring its work complete — and requested all 211 member federations to mandate racist abuse in soccer as a disciplinary offence.
“As Mr Infantino outlined in May 2024, the place federations described their intent to take a worldwide stand in opposition to racism, it is important we current a united entrance to deal with discrimination,” the letter provides. “Otherwise, claims from federations that motion is being taken fall on the first hurdle.”
ESPN has reached out to FIFA and CONMEBOL for touch upon the investigation and Kick It Out’s letter however didn’t instantly obtain a response.
Kick It Out declined to remark when contacted by ESPN.
Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano contributed to this report.
