The Argentina national team has issued a plea to its fans to refrain from using offensive or discriminatory chants during the World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying match against Chile. The team emphasized the importance of avoiding such behavior to prevent potential sanctions from FIFA.
If offensive or discriminatory chants are detected, FIFA has warned that a penalty could be imposed, such as a reduction in stadium capacity for the next Argentina home match. Specifically, should anti-gay or racist chants be heard at the Estadio Mâs Monumental during the game against Chile, the sanction would be applied to the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on October 15 in Buenos Aires.
The call from La Albiceleste comes in the wake of a video released by Enzo Fernández showing the team singing a discriminatory chant targeting France players of African descent after their victory over Colombia in the Copa América final. This incident prompted an investigation by Chelsea and FIFA, following a legal complaint from the French Football Federation regarding the 'racist and discriminatory remarks.'
Despite the controversy, the video posted on Instagram led to Argentina fans replicating the chant at various football matches across the country, including before the World Cup final against France in 2022. In response, Argentina is now urging fans to show their support without resorting to offensive language.
The team emphasized, 'Support without discriminating. Insulting doesn't help. It harms.' Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with 15 points from six games as they prepare to host Chile before traveling to Colombia for their next match in the international window.
