The Football Federation of France is suing the Football Federation of Argentina due to “racial and discriminatory remarks” made by players and supporters of the South American nation after the 2024 Copa America final.
The FFF revealed their decision to sue Argentina via a statement shared on their website on July 16, 2024.
Handlers of the French Football Federation are making this move as a result of a recent video that surfaced on social media after the 2024 Copa America between Colombia and coach Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina.
In the viral footage, some players of Argentina were said to have been chanting the words which read:
“They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says, French.”
France Statement Confirming Their Decision To Sue Argentina
Moreover, in the statement put out by the French Football Federation on their website, they revealed that French Football Federation president, Philippe Diallo wasn’t happy with the “racist and discriminatory remarks” and has decided to file a legal complaint against the Argentine Football Federation.
The statement reads: “The President of the French Football Federation, Philipphe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks that were made against the players of the French team during a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentine team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social networks.“
They also shared why President Philippe Diallo went ahead to sue the 2024 Copa America champions.
The FFF statement further read: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly appeal to his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks.”
Chelsea Star Enzo Fernandez Participated In The Chants
Meanwhile, the chants were reportedly captured in a live video shared on social media by Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, as the Argentine team celebrated their recent feat in the Copa America.
Enzo Fernandez, who made the live video also participated in the chants, with some football enthusiasts infuriated that a star of his caliber was involved in such.
Based on reports, the chants include derogatory comments directed at France’s captain Kylian Mbappe and it also includes homophobic remarks as aforementioned.
Fans of Argentina Seen Making Racial And Discriminatory Chants Against France
This recent chant has historical roots emanating from the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France via penalties, after playing out a 3-3 draw following 130 minutes of action.
Some fans of La Albiceleste at the showpiece were heard singing the chant ahead of that encounter on December 18, 2022, referencing how many players of France were of African heritage and were first or second-generation immigrants in the European nation.
France At Euro 2024
Meanwhile, France had an underwhelming 2024 European Championship, a complete contrast to Argentina’s outing at the 2024 Copa America.
Despite reaching the semi-final of Euro 2024, it was evident that they struggled all through the tournament.
Ultimately, they met their downfall in the last four, as they were eliminated from the EUROs by Spain.
Randal Kolo Muani had put Les Bleus ahead in the 9th minute before Lamine Yamal equalized for Luis de la Fuente’s side in the 21st minute.
Four minutes later, Dani Olmo scored the deciding goal of the affair, which resulted in Didier Deschamps’ side being dumped out of Euro 2024.
It will be fascinating to see if there will be a judgment made over the legal complaint that France have filed against Argentina.
