Argentina Fires Sports Official Over Messi

FIFA is investigating a video on social media showing Argentina players singing anti-French songs, which the French Football Federation has described as “racist and discriminatory”. The French Football Federation said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA over the video, which showed Argentina players celebrating their Copa America win by chanting against France’s black striker Kylian Mbappe. “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and is investigating the incident,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone, including players, fans and officials.” Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana described the video, posted on social media by team-mate Enzo Fernandez, as “blatant racism”. Fernandez later apologised on social media, saying he had been “under the influence of our celebrations”. “The song contained extremely offensive lyrics and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the Argentina player wrote on his social media accounts. Argentina’s vice president, Victoria Villarroel, defended Fernandez and the team, saying she would not tolerate the “colonial” nation’s actions. “No colonial country will intimidate us for a song in the stadium or for saying truths they don’t want to acknowledge,” Villarroel wrote on Twitter. “Argentina is a sovereign and free nation. We have never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone. But we will not tolerate what they do to us. Enzo, I support you, Lionel Messi. Thank you for everything. Argentines always hold their heads high.” The office of Argentine President Javier Milei said that the country’s sports undersecretary, Julio Garro, had been fired after suggesting that national team captain Messi apologize for the chants. “The office of the president declares that no government can decide what to comment on, what to think or what to do for the Argentine national team, world champion and two-time Copa America champion, or for any other citizen. For this reason, Julio Garro has been dismissed from his position as the country’s sports undersecretary,” the president’s office said on Twitter. English: “Chelsea believes that all forms of discriminatory behaviour are completely unacceptable. We pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” the Premier League club said in a statement on Wednesday. Mbappe and other African players in the national team were subjected to racist abuse after losing to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in Miami Gardens to win the Copa America for a record 16th time.