[imagesource:facebook/afa-selecionargentina]

A messy (‘scuse the pun) scene is unfolding in the world of international football, following a live stream video of the Argentinean national soccer team using a racist chant while travelling in their team bus.

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team are now facing widespread criticism and call for an apology following the controversial video, filmed after Argentina’s Copa America victory this month, showing members of the squad singing a racist chant targeting French players of African heritage.

So, racist AND xenophobic – a particularly yuk combo, and especially disrespectful considering all the amazing, talented French players of colour who are part of the global football scene.

The backlash intensified this Wednesday when an Argentinean government official demanded an apology from Messi, the team captain, and Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

Even though Messi was not present on the bus at the time, Julio Garro, Argentina’s sports sub-secretary, made a compelling case as to why the iconic player should speak up on behalf of the team.

“The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same AFA president,” Garro said in a radio interview. “I think it is appropriate. It leaves us as a country in a bad position, with so much glory.”

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, seen prominently in the controversial clip, has already issued a public apology, expressing regret over the incident. Chelsea, his Premier League club, condemned the discriminatory behaviour and has initiated disciplinary action against Fernandez.

“Discriminatory behavior is completely unacceptable,” a Chelsea spokesperson adamantly responded.

The bigoted chant, which was previously heard from some Argentina fans before the 2022 World Cup final against France, has prompted the French soccer federation to file a complaint with FIFA, the sport’s global governing body.

Chelsea’s swift response follows a social media post by Fernandez’s teammate, France defender Wesley Fofana, who highlighted the video and called it “uninhibited racism.”

Fofana, who has family ties to Ivory Coast, is one of several Black players in the Chelsea squad.

“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” Chelsea stated, in an attempt to support those affected by Fernandez’s appalling conduct.

Fernandez has expressed remorse for his actions on Instagram, stating, “That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”

So far, there’s a lot of talk surrounding the sticky issue, but not yet much tangible retribution.

The necessary pressure is now being placed upon FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ‘walk the talk’, after he shared a statement following the racist behaviour:

“FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”

While it remains uncertain what jurisdiction FIFA has over an incident on a team bus post-tournament, the governing body could intervene if the Argentina federation’s response is deemed inadequate.

Surely, within all this discussion, there should be a policy-led plan to bring justice to the football field.

[source:AP]