French federation takes action over 'racist' Argentina chants

The French Football Federation (FFF) is filing a legal complaint over "racist and discriminatory remarks" by Argentina players in post-match chants about France's team after the Copa América final.

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday. A video posted on Instagram by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández and widely viewed on X showed Argentina players appearing to sing about French players with African heritage.

The same chants -- by some Argentina fans -- emerged before France and Argentina met in the World Cup final two years ago, which Argentina won.

"Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and FIFA directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks," the French federation said in a statement on Tuesday.

The derogatory chants single out France players of African heritage, from several countries, and holding a French passport.

Enzo Fernandez and Argentine Players have been accused of racism, after ridiculing French Players of African descent.

They were chanting the words, "They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But… pic.twitter.com/O5GUX3SVAK

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 16, 2024

"The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the France team as part of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team," the FFF added.

The federation is making the fight against racism in soccer a priority with a new task force.