Kick It Out Questions FIFA on Fernandez Incident

Kick It Out has requested clarity from FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding actions taken over a video posted by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, in which he and teammates sang a derogatory chant about French players of African descent after winning the Copa América last July. The organization emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, noting that they have received no updates on any investigations into the incident, despite inquiries to FIFA and the FA. Fernández publicly apologized and underwent an internal disciplinary procedure with Chelsea, but Kick It Out's chief executive Samuel Okafor highlighted a perceived inconsistency in disciplinary actions compared to other cases, such as that of Rodrigo Bentancur, who faced a ban for similar behavior. The lack of communication from FIFA and CONMEBOL has raised concerns among fans about the seriousness of discrimination in football. Okafor's letter also questioned why the Argentina team has not been held accountable in the same way as other players. The French Football Federation had previously filed a complaint to FIFA regarding the incident, citing its racist and discriminatory nature.