BTN News: The French Football Federation (FFF) is set to file a complaint with FIFA against the Argentine national team. This decision follows the circulation of a video in which Argentine players were seen singing racist and homophobic chants directed at the French team, particularly targeting star player Kylian Mbappé. These chants occurred during the celebrations following Argentina’s victory in the Copa América. The tensions between the two teams have been high since Argentina’s dramatic win over France in the last World Cup final.
On Tuesday morning, the French news agency AFP reported, citing a source close to the federation, that the FFF plans to write to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and approach FIFA, reserving the right to take further actions if necessary. This news comes amid the growing controversy over the video, which has sparked outrage on social media.
The video in question shows the Argentine team on a bus leaving Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium after defeating Colombia. The footage was part of a live stream by Enzo Fernández, capturing the players celebrating with offensive chants against the French team. The chants not only insulted Mbappé but also referenced the foreign origins of some French players, using derogatory and homophobic language.
One player can be heard telling Fernández to cut the live stream, aware of the potential repercussions of the offensive song. Despite this, the video was widely shared, leading to significant backlash. The chant, which was initially created during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, resurfaced after Argentina’s thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in the final.
The issue of offensive behavior by fans and players is not new. During the World Cup, a similar incident occurred when a street reporter from TyC Sports had to abruptly end a live broadcast due to inappropriate chants from Argentine fans. The journalist, visibly upset, moved away from the group, and the incident quickly went viral.
In response to past incidents, the FFF had already lodged complaints regarding racist comments on social media and through organizations like SOS Racismo. The latest development adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry and animosity between the French and Argentine football teams.
The FFF’s decision to escalate the matter to FIFA highlights the seriousness of the accusations and the potential consequences for the Argentine team. It remains to be seen how FIFA will respond and what actions, if any, will be taken against the Argentine players involved in the incident.
This controversy underscores the importance of promoting respect and sportsmanship in international sports, ensuring that such behavior is addressed and prevented in the future.
