Enzo Fernandez finds himself at the centre of a storm as he faces serious disciplinary actions both on and off the pitch. The Argentine international has recently been involved in two separate incidents that have drawn widespread criticism and put his future in the Premier League in jeopardy.
The first incident revolves around a video shared by Fernandez on social media, showing him and his Argentina teammates chanting a racist song about the French national team. The chant included derogatory remarks about the African heritage of several French players, sparking outrage from fans and fellow footballers alike. This video was posted during Argentina's celebrations following their Copa America victory over Colombia.
One of the most vocal critics of the offensive chant was Wesley Fofana, Fernandez's Chelsea teammate. The chant included lines about the French players' parents being from Angola, Cameroon, and Nigeria, despite their French passports. In response to the backlash, Chelsea FC launched an internal investigation, emphasising their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Fernandez issued a public apology, expressing regret for his involvement in the chant and reiterating his stance against discrimination. However, his troubles did not end there. He was recently convicted of a driving offence at Llanelli Magistrates' Court.
The court found Fernandez guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche that allegedly ran a red light while uninsured in Carmarthenshire on 28 November 2023. Although charges of driving through the red light and driving without insurance were withdrawn, he was convicted in his absence of failing to provide information to the police. Fernandez is set to be sentenced on 11 September and could face a driving ban.
These incidents have put the young midfielder at risk of facing one of the longest bans in Premier League history. The Football Association (FA) is reportedly considering a 12-match ban for Fernandez, with their guidelines recommending match-based sanctions of six to twelve games for acts of discrimination. If the FA decides to investigate, Fernandez could face at least a six-match ban.
The FA has not yet opened formal proceedings against Fernandez but has not ruled out the possibility. This potential ban would be separate from any disciplinary action taken by Chelsea FC, as the club continues its internal investigation.
The controversy has also caused significant tension within the Chelsea dressing room, presenting new manager Enzo Maresca with the challenge of addressing these off-the-pitch issues while preparing the team for the upcoming season.
Further complicating matters, FIFA and CONMEBOL are also looking into the video, intensifying the scrutiny on Fernandez. The French Football Federation (FFF) has threatened legal action against the players involved in the chant, adding another layer of potential consequences for the midfielder.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Enzo Fernandez as he navigates the fallout from these incidents and faces the possibility of significant disciplinary action both on and off the pitch.