The French Football Federation (FFF) has taken legal action against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) following an "unacceptable, racist and discriminatory" chant made by Argentina players after their victory in the Copa America. FFF President Philippe Diallo has directly challenged his AFA counterpart, Claudio Fabian Tapia, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to respond to these remarks, which are deemed contrary to the values ​​of sport and human rights.

Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title on Sunday, defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final with a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time. However, footage posted on Instagram by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez showed him and his teammates chanting about the France national team in a derogatory manner.

In the 2022 World Cup final, Argentina had emerged victorious against France in a penalty shootout. Prior to that match, some fans of the South American nation were singing a chant that referenced the African heritage of several French players, who were first or second-generation immigrants in France. The chant included lines such as "They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French."

Responding to these "shocking remarks," the FFF released a statement on Tuesday strongly condemning the racist and discriminatory nature of the comments made against French players. Faced with the gravity of the situation, the FFF President has decided to directly challenge the AFA and FIFA, filing a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.

The Athletic reached out to FIFA, AFA, and CONMEBOL, the South American Football Federation organizing the Copa America, for comment, but received no response.

Enzo Fernandez, who plays for Chelsea, had shared a live video on Instagram where he and his unidentified teammates began the chant before the video abruptly ended. The Athletic has also contacted Chelsea for comment regarding the incident.

Anti-racism association SOS Racisme had previously criticized the sentiments expressed in the chant during the 2022 World Cup, describing it as an "expression of a far-right ideology." They urged FIFA to take action against Argentina fans who were singing the chant.

The FFF's legal complaint highlights the importance of combating racism and discrimination in football, emphasizing the need to uphold the values ​​of sport and human rights. The outcome of this legal action and the response from FIFA and AFA will be closely watched by the football community.