One of the sports news items published by Meritking (https://meritking.news) last July 2024 is about the international controversy stirred by the Argentinian team after winning the Copa America Cup. The French Football Federation filed a complaint with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regarding the racist chant sung by the Argentinian players during their celebration of their victory against Colombia
Actually it was the same derogatory song that Argentinian fans sang after Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup championship. At that time, the song had already been flagged as racist, which protesters said was an expression of far-right ideology.
What Exactly was Racially Discriminating About the Argentinian’s Victory Chant
FFF officials find the Argentinian players’ behaviour disturbing as they continue to sing the racially offensive song. It blatantly derides French football player Kylian Mbappé,who is of African descent. The racist lines of the song specifically referred to French football players who are holders of French passports, albeit born in Angola to Nigerian mothers and Cameroonian fathers. The FFF officials find it disconcerting that the Argentinian football team chose to sing a racist song as part of their Copa America championship party.
Apparently there’s a telling video that live streamed Argentinian players led by Enzo Fernandez, singing the racist song during the team’s jubilation. Aware that he has placed himself in the midst of a controversial situation, Fernandez issued some sort of apology that mainly defended his action.
He stated that he was merely caught up in the feeling of euphoria that the team felt after winning the Copa America championship. Feebly, he added that his singing of the song is not a reflection of his character as he firmly stands against all forms of discrimination.
FIFA Officials Still Silent about the Results of Their Investigation
Up to now, the FIFA probe has yet to come out with a report about the results of their investigation. Yet many see the controversy as an opportunity for FIFA to demonstrate the internal discipline it will impose as strict actions against acts of racial discrimination not only by fans but also by officials and players.
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Meritking news is a newly launched online news platform largely focused on featuring global sports events and happenings related to football, basketball, volleyball and other important information fueling the interests of sports enthusiasts. According to Meritking News founder Michael Grant, the platform’s focus is to keep up-to-date reports containing critical sports data considered as vital to their enjoyment of their favourite sports.