Enzo Fernandez is set to escape an FA ban for his racist chant during the Copa America due to a strange loophole.
The Argentine filmed himself singing a derogatory chant in the aftermath of his country’s Copa America win earlier this year.
The song refers to how many French national team players are of African heritage, with the lyrics translating to: “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.”
It led to his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana publicly calling out Fernandez and describing the song as, ‘uninhibited racism.’
Several other Blues players also unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
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The midfielder quickly apologised, but he’s set to avoid a Premier League ban.
This is in total contrast to Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur, who faces a six to 12-game suspension for racist comments made about Heung-min Son.
The Uruguayan has already been charged by the FA, but his fellow South American can’t be punished due to a loophole.
Why won’t the FA charge Fernandez?
When Fernandez sang the racist chant, he was on international duty.
So, the FA deemed the matter to not concern them and have handed the responsibility of any potential punishment to FIFA.
This means he has escaped a domestic suspension but could still face an international ban.
FIFA are currently still investigating Fernandez and are waiting to hear back from CONMEBOL – South American football’s governing body – before making any decision regarding disciplinary action.
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So why is Bentancur different?
Bentancur’s offence took place on Uruguayan TV in June, weeks after Tottenham’s 2023/24 Premier League season had ended.
However, it remains an FA matter as the midfielder hadn’t officially been released by Spurs for Copa America duty.
Appearing on Uruguayan TV show Por La Camiseta, a journalist asked: “Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?” to which Bentancur replied, “Sonny?” and the journalist said, “Or any other champion?”
Bentancur responded: “Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same!” to which the reporter replied, “Yes, of course!!”
This has been deemed an aggravated breach by Bentancur, and he’s facing a long time on the sidelines.
But due to being on international duty, Fernandez is set to escape domestic punishment.
