Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has spoken to the media and addressed the racism storm which has engulfed the club during their pre-season tour of the USA.

Midfielder Enzo 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.

Fernandez has apologised to his Chelsea team-mates after joining the squad Stateside – and Fofana is now desperate to draw a line under the episode.

Speaking to the written press in the USA, the France defender said: “Enzo Fernandez said sorry. He did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.

“He did not understand when singing it, I trust him. Because I know him. I know Enzo. He is not racist. I’m happy to see Enzo back. We play together. We need to stay together. We’re strong together.

“If I’m on one side and Enzo is on the other side and we fight every day or we don’t talk or we’re not happy, then we don’t play well! It’s all ok now.”

At the time, the centre-back had 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 Atlanta 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.

Speaking from pre-season camp, head coach Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday: “We all feel very comfortable, very good. Enzo is back, he had a chat with all of us to clarify there was no bad intention. The lads, they all accept it.

“Everything was like before, the players were all together, all speaking, all laughing. There is no mystery, we’ve clarified the situation and there is nothing more to add. We all make mistakes. Enzo has apologised and his team-mates have accepted it.”

Defender Levi Colwill added: “We’re a team, we move forwards together. Everything that has happened stays between us. We’re really excited to get to work and hopefully have a really positive season.”

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.

When approached by Sky Sports News, Kick It Out referred back to their statement on July 17.

Sky Sports News understands the PFA contacted Chelsea to offer its support to players affected by the incident.

It did not wish to comment on Chelsea’s internal investigation.

Sky Sports News has also contacted the French Football Federation, FIFA, and the FA for comment.

James accepts Fernandez racism row ‘could be a problem’ for Chelsea

Last week, Blues 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.”

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.

Speaking from pre-season camp, head coach Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday: “We all feel very comfortable, very good. Enzo is back, he had a chat with all of us to clarify there was no bad intention. The lads, they all accept it.

“Everything was like before, the players were all together, all speaking, all laughing. There is no mystery, we’ve clarified the situation and there is nothing more to add. We all make mistakes. Enzo has apologised and his team-mates have accepted it.”

Defender Levi Colwill added: “We’re a team, we move forwards together. Everything that has happened stays between us. We’re really excited to get to work and hopefully have a really positive season.”

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.

When approached by Sky Sports News, Kick It Out referred back to their statement on July 17.

Sky Sports News understands the PFA contacted Chelsea to offer its support to players affected by the incident.

It did not wish to comment on Chelsea’s internal investigation.

Sky Sports News has also contacted the French Football Federation, FIFA, 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.”

Crowd trouble in the opening Olympics football match saw Argentina’s stoppage-time equaliser ruled out nearly two hours later after play was suspended to give Morocco a chaotic 2-1 win.

Morocco led the Group B clash 2-1 and in the final stages of the game Argentina hit the frame of the goal twice before midfielder Cristian Medina struck in the 16th minute of stoppage time to level the match in Saint-Etienne.

However, his equaliser sparked objects being thrown onto the pitch and players were taken off for their safety as Morocco fans invaded the pitch in Lyon.

Supporters were then asked to leave the stadium with a message being projected on screens that read: “Your session has been suspended, please leave the stadium.”

After almost two hours without play, the game resumed behind closed doors with three minutes left on the clock and Medina’s 106th-minute leveller was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.

The game finished 2-1 to Morocco thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s double.

A statement on Thursday by Games organisers said: “The football match between Argentina and Morocco at the Saint-Etienne Stadium was suspended due to a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators.

“The match then restarted and was able to conclude safely. Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions.”

Mascherano: Biggest circus I’ve ever seen

Argentina coach Javier Mascherano branded the events that unfolded at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the “biggest circus” he had ever seen in his life.

“I can’t explain what happened. We spent about an hour and a half in the dressing room where they never told us what was going to happen,” Mascherano said.

“The Moroccan captains didn’t want to play, we didn’t want to continue, and fans threw things at us. It’s the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life, I don’t know why they spent an hour and 20 minutes reviewing a play.

“If there is offside in Medina’s goal let the game go on with the momentum we have, I don’t think the game should be played for three minutes after an hour and a half.”

How the chaos unfolded in pictures…

Argentina thought they had levelled the game in stoppage time.

Argentina’s celebrations led to bottles and cups being thrown by Moroccan fans, with some invading the pitch.

The game was then suspended with fans asked to leave the stadium.

After over an hour, the game resumed at an empty stadium and Argentina’s equaliser was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Morocco saw out the final three minutes to win a chaotic and dramatic game.

Crowd trouble in the opening Olympics football match saw Argentina’s stoppage-time equaliser ruled out nearly two hours later after play was suspended to give Morocco a chaotic 2-1 win.

Morocco led the Group B clash 2-1 and in the final stages of the game Argentina hit the frame of the goal twice before midfielder Cristian Medina struck in the 16th minute of stoppage time to level the match in Saint-Etienne.

However, his equaliser sparked objects being thrown onto the pitch and players were taken off for their safety as Morocco fans invaded the pitch in Lyon.

Supporters were then asked to leave the stadium with a message being projected on screens that read: “Your session has been suspended, please leave the stadium.”

After almost two hours without play, the game resumed behind closed doors with three minutes left on the clock and Medina’s 106th-minute leveller was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.

The game finished 2-1 to Morocco thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s double.

Mascherano: Biggest circus I’ve ever seen

Argentina coach Javier Mascherano branded the events that unfolded at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the “biggest circus” he had ever seen in his life.

“I can’t explain what happened. We spent about an hour and a half in the dressing room where they never told us what was going to happen,” Mascherano said.

“The Moroccan captains didn’t want to play, we didn’t want to continue, and fans threw things at us. It’s the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life, I don’t know why they spent an hour and 20 minutes reviewing a play.

“If there is offside in Medina’s goal let the game go on with the momentum we have, I don’t think the game should be played for three minutes after an hour and a half.”

How the chaos unfolded in pictures…

Argentina thought they had levelled the game in stoppage time.

Argentina’s celebrations led to bottles and cups being thrown by Moroccan fans, with some invading the pitch.

The game was then suspended with fans asked to leave stadium.

After over an hour, the game resumed at an empty stadium and Argentina’s equaliser was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Morocco saw out the final three minutes to win a chaotic and dramatic game.

Chelsea have “instigated an internal disciplinary procedure” following Enzo Fernandez’s video posted on social media, which the French Football Federation alleges is racist.

Fernandez and some of his Argentina team-mates were chanting a derogatory song which mocks the heritage of the France team in an Instagram live video published on his account after they beat Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday.

Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate, reposted the video on X with the words: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.

Fernandez later apologised on Instagram for posting the video and any offence its content may have caused.

On Wednesday morning Chelsea released a club statement: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.

“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.

“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”

Sky Sports News understands Chelsea had to speak to Fernandez first to make sure the video and audio were real and, when that was confirmed, the club immediately started an internal disciplinary procedure.

Sky Sports News understands FIFA has begun its investigation into the incident and will look to speak to Fernandez.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”

Sky Sports News understands that French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo has communicated to FIFA that they will not accept a slap on the wrist.

Later on Wednesday, Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, posted on social media: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic.

“Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.

“This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport.”

Fernandez: I am truly sorry

The statements from Chelsea and FIFA came after Fernandez said he was “truly sorry” for the video.

“The song includes highly-offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old said.

“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.

“That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.

“I am truly sorry.”

French Football Federation to file legal complaint

The French Football Federation has said it will file a legal complaint alleging “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” were made by Argentina players.

In a statement, the FFF – the governing body of French football – said its president Philippe Diallo would challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the alleged remarks.

The statement read: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media.

“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”

Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final, a match around which some fans of the Argentina team were heard to sing discriminatory songs.

Kick It Out: Action more important than words

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out:

“The video of the Argentina team singing a discriminatory chant is unacceptable and clearly needs to stop. We stand with and show our full support to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and brought it to wider attention.

“Although there has been an apology from Enzo Fernandez, and Chelsea say they will investigate the incident, several players are seen singing the song which means there will be a wider impact on team-mates and fans at other clubs. We call upon all relevant clubs, the Argentina federation and FIFA to address this concerning issue with empathy, sensitivity and understanding.

“Responses to these incidents cannot start and end with an apology. More important is the action taken afterwards to ensure players are educated and held accountable, both in England and on a global scale.”

Sporting Equals condemns video shared by Fernandez

Sports race equality charity Sporting Equals:

“Sporting Equals condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the video that has emerged on social media of Chelsea and [Argentine] footballer Enzo Fernandez and some team-mates singing a racist song. The lyrics belittle the lived experiences of the French footballers and their ancestors. The words question the authenticity of those players’ right to represent France.

“We applaud Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s club-mate at Chelsea, who has challenged this behaviour. The easy thing for him to do would be to stay quiet. By publicly addressing this he has made it clear that this will not be tolerated and we hope that his club will support him and others at this difficult time.

“While the incident took place following the Copa America final it is important to focus on the very recent positives closer to home. The UEFA Men’s European Football Championships provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of participant countries.

“Following England’s success there were clear illustrations across social media of the positive impact that immigration has had on the national team. Actions such as those by members of the French national team, challenging the far right in press conferences, show that football is more united against racism. The ethnic diversity of the two finalists, England and Spain, proves that race equality and equity is a strength.

“That said we must not shy away from calling out racism when we witness it. Sporting Equals expects that Chelsea, The Premier League, The FA and FIFA will act swiftly and decisively on these sickening chants.”