BTN News: The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, is in the news for defending the national football team amid racist chant allegations. This happened after Argentina’s Copa América win in Miami. Midfielder Enzo Fernández posted a video showing players chanting offensive slogans about the African roots of some French players and using a homophobic slur against Kylian Mbappé. This caused a major international backlash and sparked a political debate in Argentina.
Government Defends Footballers and Justifies the Removal of Sports Official
The government responded to the controversy with a message on social media platform X. They said, “No government can tell the World Champion and Bicampeón de América Argentina National Team what to say, think, or do.” This was part of their defense of the team.
The government also explained why they removed Julio Garro, the Argentine Undersecretary of Sports. Garro had suggested that Lionel Messi, the team captain, and Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), should apologize for the chants. This suggestion caused a lot of anger on social media, leading to Garro’s dismissal.
Origin and Reaction to the Racist Chants in the Video Shared by Enzo Fernández
The chants started during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Some Argentine fans used them back then. The video posted by Fernández brought the issue back into the spotlight. Many organizations acted quickly. The French Football Federation (FFF) said on Tuesday that it would sue the AFA for the “racist” chants. They condemned the discriminatory remarks against French players.
FIFA, the global football governing body, started an investigation into the video. Chelsea, the English club where Fernández plays, also began disciplinary action against him. Chelsea had signed Fernández for over $100 million two seasons ago.
Enzo Fernández Issues Public Apology for His Role in the Controversy
Enzo Fernández apologized to the public on Wednesday. He admitted the chants were offensive and regretted his actions. “I sincerely apologize for a video posted on my Instagram during the national team’s celebrations. The song includes very offensive language, and there is no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old player said. He stressed his opposition to all forms of discrimination and said the incident did not reflect his true beliefs or character.
Political Reactions in Argentina Due to the Controversy and Official’s Removal
The incident has not only caused international issues but also started a political debate in Argentina. Julio Garro’s removal added to the political angle of the controversy. Garro condemned the racist and xenophobic chants in an interview with local radio station Urbana Play. He suggested Messi and Tapia should apologize, which led to a lot of criticism online.
Garro defended himself, saying his comments were personal. He tried to distance himself from his earlier statements. He said on social media, “I strongly deny that I asked Messi to apologize. It would be disrespectful to someone who always honors us with his human and sporting qualities.”
Argentine Vice President Defends Players and Criticizes France
Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel also spoke out. She defended the players and criticized France. She called France a colonialist country and accused it of hypocrisy. “No colonialist country will intimidate us over a stadium chant or by confronting truths they don’t want to admit. Enough of fake outrage, hypocrites. Enzo, I support you. Messi, thank you for everything! Argentines, always hold your heads high! Long live Argentinidad!” she said in a post on X.
Conclusion of the Racist Chants Controversy and its Broader Implications
The controversy over the racist chants by the Argentine national team has caused major international and domestic problems. While the Argentine government and some officials defend the players, others, including international bodies and the French Football Federation, have condemned their actions. As investigations continue and political debates go on, the incident shows the ongoing challenges of addressing racism and discrimination in sports and society.
