Enzo
Fernandez has apologised to his Chelsea team-mates after joining the squad
in the USA following the racism storm around the midfielder.
Fernandez has been at the centre of a racism row this month after he posted
a video on Instagram which appeared to show him and his Argentina team-mates
engaging in a derogatory chant about the France national team during
celebrations of their Copa America success.
Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana described it as "uninhibited racism" and,
while FIFA's investigation into the incident continues, Chelsea's internal
disciplinary process has now been concluded.
Fernandez joined up with the Chelsea squad on Monday in Atalanta and
apologised immediately to his team-mates, with the apology understood to be
accepted.
The 23-year-old, who moved to Chelsea in February 2023 for a then
British-record transfer fee of £106.8m from Benfica, has already trained
with the squad in the USA.
The Argentina international has told Chelsea he will be making a significant
contribution to an anti-discrimination charity - with Chelsea matching his
contribution - and talks are now under way to decide where the best place to
donate the funds will be.
Chelsea started disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez two weeks ago
after he posted a video on social media which the French Football Federation
said contained a racist song about France's black players.
Fernandez has been in contact with members of the squad following his public
social media apology and private apology two weeks ago, but Monday was the
first opportunity to apologise in person.
Fernandez, Chelsea captain Reece James and French defender Axel Disasi have
been the lead figures in the consultation process with other Chelsea
players.
Chelsea's disciplinary process against Fernandez is now closed with the
player regarded as having been proactive in apologising in public and in
private, and by pre-empting a fine by making a donation to fund anti-racism
and anti-discrimination education.
Fernandez says he is sorry and is committed to anti-racism and
anti-discrimination.
Sky Sports News has contacted Kick It Out, the French Football Federation,
FIFA, the Professional Footballers' Association and the FA for comment.
James accepts Fernandez racism row 'could
be a problem' for Chelsea
Last week, Blue skipper James admitted the racism storm surrounding
Fernandez could be a "problem" within the dressing room.
Asked if the issue could impact on team spirit at Stamford Bridge, James
told ESPN: "Of course.
"There's always the factor where it doesn't sit right with people when there
could be a problem.
"But until the day comes where everyone's together and in a room together, I
don't know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move
forward with the season."
James also revealed the conversations he had had with Fernandez before he
rejoined the squad on Monday.
"I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time
zones," the 24-year-old said.
"Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to
explain his situation and how things happened.
"It's a really difficult situation. There's no room for racism or
discrimination in football.
"I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he'd done wrong and
apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were
offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that
situation."
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