Enzo Maresca, the newly appointed manager of Chelsea, has addressed the controversy surrounding Enzo Fernández for the first time. This issue arose after Fernández participated in a live stream during the celebrations of the Argentina national team following their Copa América victory. During the stream, chants referencing the backgrounds of French footballers were heard, sparking significant backlash.
Maresca attempted to minimize the situation, indicating that he intends to include Fernández in the upcoming season. The video led to France’s football federation lodging a formal complaint with FIFA, resulting in disciplinary actions from Chelsea. Some of Fernández’s teammates unfollowed him on social media, and Wesley Fofana publicly criticized him by posting an Instagram story with the caption “Football 2024: uninhibited racism.”
As a consequence, the 23-year-old midfielder felt compelled to issue an apology on social media. However, there remains uncertainty about how he will be received when he returns to training with Chelsea. Currently, he, along with other players like Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella, will miss the pre-season tour in the United States due to extra rest following their participation in international tournaments.
During the team’s North American tour, Maresca spoke to the media about the sensitive subject. He stated, “The player issued a statement and apologized; the club did the same. I have nothing to add; the situation is very clear.” He expressed his belief that Fernández is not a racist, emphasizing that there was no malice intended. Maresca stated, “I don’t think there will be any problem when Enzo returns. The players have clarified the situation, and the club has as well. Therefore, there is nothing more to say. They are not bad people; they are human beings.”
On a lighter note, Fernández made a public appearance at the Monumental Stadium this past Sunday, witnessing a 2-2 draw between River Plate and Lanús. He received a warm welcome from the fans, which provided some comfort amid the ongoing turmoil.
As he awaits his return to training, the uncertainty regarding possible sanctions from the club or football federations lingers. The English Football Association and the Premier League have yet to make a statement, as investigations by both the club and FIFA are ongoing. The FA’s regulations suggest that if penalized, Fernández could face a ban of up to 12 matches.
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