World football's governing body Fifa launched an inquiry on Thursday into a video on social media that showed several members of Argentina's Copa America-winning squad singing a foul-mouthed song about some of the France players who they beat in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
French football chiefs condemned the video that was posted by midfielder Enzo Fernandez following Sunday night's 1-0 win over Colombia as racist and discriminatory and said they would lodge a complaint with Fifa.
"Fifa is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into," a FIFA spokesperson said.
"Fifa strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials."
Fernandez, who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League, came under fire from French teammate Wesley Fofana who described the video as uninhibited racism.
Fernandez apologised on social media on Tuesday. He claimed he had lost his head amid the delight of the triumph which gave Argentina a 16th Copa America crown.
"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."
On Wednesday, Chelsea's bosses took to social media to assert the club's stance on inclusivity.
"Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable," it said.
"We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome."
Chelsea paid Benfica nearly 120 million euros in January 2023 for Fernandez who had starred during Argentina's surge to glory at the World Cup.
He missed the final six games of the 2023/24 season following surgery at the end of April to correct an inguinal hernia.
Th operation gave him to recover fitness for the Copa America.
