France Files Legal Complaint Over 'Racist' Argentina Chants at 2024 Copa América
Jul 16, 2024
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JULY 09: Enzo Fernández #24 of Argentina during the CONMEBOL Copa America - Semifinal game against Canada on July 9, 2024 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The French Football Federation has filed a legal complaint against Argentina after midfielder Enzo Fernández posted a video following the country's triumph in the Copa América showing the team repeating offensive chants about French players of African descent, per ESPN.
The chants were first heard in 2022 from Argentina supporters before the country faced France in the World Cup final.
"Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and FIFA directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks," the FFF said in a statement.
"The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the France team as part of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team," the statement added.
Fernández's teammate at Chelsea, France international Wesley Fofana, reposted the video and wrote: "Football in 2024: Uninhibited racism."
Chelsea are reportedly investigating the situation:
Chelsea are understood to be investigating the Enzo Fernandez video, which #CFC team-mate Wesley Fofana has tonight described as "uninhibited racism". It comes after the French Football Federation said it will take legal action against Argentina. More @TeleFootball
It remains to be seen what actions FIFA will take following France's legal complaint.
Argentina defeated France at the 2022 World Cup Final on penalty kicks and won its second consecutive Copa América title on Sunday, defeating Colombia 1-0.
France's Kylian Mbappé 'Feeling Better' After Injury, Could Play vs. Netherlands
Jun 20, 2024
TOPSHOT - France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose during his country's opening win against Austria, attends a training session during the UEFA Euro 2024 Football Championship, at the Home Deluxe Arena Stadium in Paderborn, western Germany, on June 19, 2024. Mbappe underwent tests at a hospital in Duesseldorf before rejoining the France squad at their base in Paderborn. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France national team coach Didier Deschamps has yet to rule out Kylian Mbappé for Friday's Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands.
Deschamps told reporters the Real Madrid forward is "feeling better."
"Everything is going well, after the shock we had," he said. "He was able to take part is some light exercises yesterday and that will be the same this evening. We'll do all we can to ensure that he'll be available tomorrow."
Mbappé suffered a broken nose in the late stages of France's 1-0 win over Austria to open the tournament.
In terms of his availability for the remainder of the group stage, the prognosis didn't initially appear to be positive. ESPN's Julien Laurens reported he'd be out against the Dutch. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said Tuesday it was "reassuring" Mbappé wouldn't require immediate surgery but that "it's a bit too early to give a timetable" as to his return.
Should France beat the Netherlands, there would then be little need to lean on its best player because Deschamps' side will have in all likelihood sewn up a place in the knockout stage.
Mbappé had 27 goals and seven assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, and he was just as lethal in the Champions League (eight goals in 12 starts). Prior to Euro 2024 kicking off, he was among the favorites to win the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer.
Mbappé's broken nose will hurt his chances of collecting any individual honors. Beyond potentially taking him out of action, the 25-year-old will have to adjust to playing with a protective mask.
France's bid to win a first European title since 2000 may not be adversely affected, though, as long as he's on the pitch when the knockout rounds get underway.
Report: France's Kylian Mbappé out for Euro 2024 Match vs. Netherlands After Injury
Jun 18, 2024
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - JUNE 17: Kylian Mbappe (10) of France bleed from the nose during the 2024 European Football Championship (EURO 2024) Group D football match between France and Austria at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany on June 17, 2024. (Photo by Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
France star Kylian Mbappé reportedily will not take the pitch Friday against the Netherlands in his team's next Euro 2024 fixture, according to ESPN's Julien Laurens.
Mbappé was subbed off in the 90th minute of Monday's 1-0 win over Austria after suffering a broken nose.
From a neutral standpoint, the clash between French and Dutch will be a lesser spectacle without Mbappé. It would've been fascinating to watch the chess match between he and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk.
The victory over Austria gave Les Bleus more freedom to be cautious with the 25-year-old, though. In major international tournaments, winning your first match of the group stage means you have one foot in the knockout phase already. That's especially true in the European Championship since four of the six third-place finishers advance.
Even if France stumbles against the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps' squad should have enough firepower to handle Poland independent of Mbappé's availability.
Olivier Giroud continues to be an effective striker deep into his 30s. He had 15 goals in 35 Serie A matches for AC Milan. Randal Kolo Muani had a forgettable first season with Paris Saint-Germain but would be a solid replacement under the circumstances.
Deschamps could also replace Mbappé with PSG's Bradley Barcola or Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman if he wants more pace out wide, with Giroud, Kolo Muani or Marcus Thuram playing through the center.
Mbappé's broken nose is obvious a setback for France. It may not, however, derail the team's bid to claim a third European title.
France's Kylian Mbappé Avoids Surgery For Broken Nose Injury vs. Austria; Status TBD
Jun 17, 2024
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - JUNE 17: Kylian Mbappe of France Injured his head during the EURO match between Austria v France at the Merkur Spiel Arena on June 17, 2024 in Dusseldorf Germany (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
French superstar Kylian Mbappé will not need surgery for his broken nose despite initial fears, France Football Federation president Philippe Diallo told ESPN's Julien Laurens.
He is reportedly considered questionable for the team's upcoming match against the Netherlands on Friday.
Mbappé was subbed out of his country's 1-0 win over Austria at the Euros on Monday after suffering the injury following a collision on a header attempt.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 17, 2024
After heading to the hospital with initial reports he would require surgery, Fabrizio Romano reported he will avoid any procedure. His status for the coming games has not yet been determined.
Laurens provided more information:
Mbappé update: NO operation needed. He left the hospital in Düsseldorf at 1am after some positive news and diagnosis on his nose. Be ha hoping to play in Friday against the Netherlands with a mask. A decision will be made close to the game.
"He's got a really bad nose," manager Didier Deschamps said after the match. "We'll have to wait and see, the medical staff are dealing with it. We'll have to see what's going to be done and then how long it will take. It's very bad news for us tonight.
"Obviously, the French team with or without him, this is not the same thing. I hope he can be there."
The player later posted on social media about wearing a mask:
Mbappé attempted to remain in the match after suffering the injury in the 85th minute, went down again in the 90th minute, was given a yellow card and was subbed off for Olivier Giroud, all in one sequence.
Mbappé received a yellow card for re-entering the match without the 4th official's permission 🟨 pic.twitter.com/5QTpcJZx4f
For France, one of the favorites at this year's Euros, it's a concerning situation on a number of fronts.
For one, if the injury is serious enough to cost Mbappé time, the country's hopes at winning its first Euros title since 2000 take a major hit. Not only is he the team's captain, but he's also its best and most dangerous player. His loss would be enormous.
France didn't draw an easy group, with matchups against the Netherlands and Poland to follow. It's possible that three teams could move on to the knockout phase, but France's expectations are more than simply escaping the group. The match against the Dutch will likely decide the Group D winner, and failing to top it could lead to a difficult matchup in the round of 16.
But if Mbappé does return—likely donning a face mask—he's now on a yellow card, a major concern in its own right. Yellow cards don't get wiped until the quarterfinals, meaning that another yellow before then would cost him a match.
In a tournament where a second yellow gets you suspended for a game, that's a not-inconsequential yellow on Mbappé.
It would be an equal disappointment for player and country. One of the few blights remaining on Mbappé's résumé is his lack of a goal at the Euros to this point in his career. It appeared he would be ending that drought early in the second half, only to completely bottle a 1v1 with the goalkeeper.
It's the sort of chance Mbappé normally buries, but Monday truly wasn't his day. France will be hoping it wasn't also the end of his tournament.
Best Reaction to France's Win vs. Panama in 2023 Women's World Cup
Aug 2, 2023
TOPSHOT - France's forward #11 Kadidiatou Diani celebrates after scoring during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group F football match between Panama and France at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney on August 2, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France is on its way to the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after a 6-3 win over Panama on Wednesday.
The French squad entered play tied Jamaica for the top spot in Group E. Both teams had four points and a plus-one goal differential through their first two matches. France's win combined with Jamaica's 0-0 tieagainst Brazil gave them the advantage in the group.
France did most of its damage in the first half with four goals. Kadidiatou Diani, Maëlle Lakrar, Léa Le Garrec and Vicki Bècho did all of the scoring for the Blues in the match.
Diani made history with France's first-ever hat trick in the Women's World Cup, including two goals on penalty shots.
3 - Kadidiatou Diani scored the 1st hat-trick in France's World Cup history, and the 3rd in a major competition (World Cup + EURO + Olympic Games) after Angélique Roujas (v Russia at EURO 1997) and Grace Geyoro (v Italy at EURO 2022). Champion. #FIFAWWChttps://t.co/i7Z1E8NMKA
Diani's hat trick was the third of the 2023 World Cup after Panama's Ary Borges and Norway's Sophie Román Haug.
Le Garrec's goal was a perfectly-placed cross that looked like a pass, but no one was able to get a body on the ball before it skated past the line to give France a 4-1 advantage going into the half.
Even though the final score did go France's way, this was far from a flawless performance for head coach Hervé Renard's squad.
Panama started the match on a high note with Marta Cox's absurd free kick in the second minute that was perfectly placed so France goalie Pauline Peyraud-Magnin couldn't get a hand on it.
It was the first goal in World Cup history for Panama and brought most of her teammates onto the pitch to rejoice in celebration.
The dream of an upset didn't last much longer, as France got on the board in the 21st minute with Lakrar's goal. The Blues would go on to score five more times after that for the win, but Panama didn't go down with a fight.
Yomira Pinzon and Lineth Cedeño both scored individual goals in the second half to cut the deficit to 5-3 before Bècho's goal in stoppage time put France back up by three.
This was a nice way for Panama to wrap up its first appearance in the Women's World Cup. The team got three goals against a formidable opponent and can continue to grow its talent pool to become a contender in this tournament in the future.
Next up for France will be the runner-up from Group H in the Round of 16. The spot is currently occupied by Germany, but it could also be Colombia or Morroco depending on the results of Thursday's matches.
Best Reaction to France's Shocking Draw vs. Jamaica in 2023 Women's World Cup
Jul 23, 2023
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Kadidiatou Diani of France and Deneisha Blackwood of Jamaica compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between France and Jamaica at Sydney Football Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
France entered its Women's World Cup opener against Jamaica considered a mortal lock to start the tournament 1-0. Oddsmakers had France listed as a -6000 favorite, meaning you had to bet $6,000 to take home a measly $100.
Well, that's why they play the game.
Jamaica scratched and clawed its way to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, a shocking result that could put France's positioning in the group stage in jeopardy.
The result is nothing short of a nightmare for France, which dominated possession for 72 percent of the match and took 14 shots on goal but could not find the back of the net against a determined Jamaican defense.
The draw marks the first-ever World Cup point for Jamaica, which entered the event ranked 43rd in the FIFA standings.
JAMAICA GET FIRST EVER WORLD CUP POINT WITH 0-0 DRAW AGAINST POWERHOUSE FRANCE 🇯🇲 What a tenacity-imbued performance from this Reggae Girlz team. A squad who had to start GoFund Me efforts to help pay to get them there. Today they went toe-to-toe with one of the best in the 🌎. pic.twitter.com/NxkhaNnfue
To give this result some perspective, according to @OptaAnalyst this the first time France (ranked 5th in the world) has been held goal less at a Women’s World Cup
#43 ranked 🇯🇲 Reggae Girls did that.
Despite all the challenges the Reggae Girls endured
BIG up #ReggaeGirlz we no watch ranking…holding France to a draw for Jamaica 🇯🇲 first ever point in women’s World Cup…in front of 40,000 fans…goose bumps
Does seem like the gap between the big hitters at #FIFAWWC and the rest has closed significantly. Sweden scraped a win against South Africa, France held by Jamaica, England edged out Haiti, Canada held by Nigeria, USA made to work hard by Vietnam.
Still, the result was not without disappointment. Jamaican star Khadija Shaw, who spent most of the match giving France fits with her physicality, was sent off with a controversial call in stoppage time after earning her second yellow card. As a result, Shaw will have to sit out Saturday's match against Panama.
Khadija Shaw we haven't seen talent like this in a long long time
Khadija Shaw sent off. That's a very poor call by the referee, and a potentially damaging one down the line for a Jamaica side that have impressed today. #FIFAWWC
Despite the loss of Shaw, it's impossible for Jamaica to feel anything less than joyful following this result. The team needed crowdfunding to even make the trip to the World Cup and was widely expected to be bounced from the group stage without even making a peep.
Instead, Jamaica will now have an outside shot at reaching the knockout round. A win over Panama next weekend would put the underdog into a potential win-or-go-home match against Brazil, which kicks off its tournament Monday against Panama.
As for France, the Group F favorite will now have to scramble if it hopes to come away with a group victory.
Kylian Mbappé, Kingsley Coman Racial Abuse Condemned by FFF After World Cup Loss
Dec 20, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Kylian Mbappe of France speaks with team mate Kingsley Coman of France after his misses a penalty during the shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The French soccer federation said Tuesday that some of its players faced "unacceptable racist and hateful comments on social networks" following Sunday's penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the World Cup final, per the Associated Press.
"The French soccer federation condemns with the utmost firmness these intolerable behaviors and abuses," it said in a statement.
PSG's Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman were among the French players who faced racial abuse, per Isabelle Rome, the country's minister in charge of gender equality.
SOS Racisme, a French human rights group, said the players faced "a torrent of racist slurs, with hundreds of users on the social network posting comments likening them to apes, slaves, or even urging them to go back to the jungle."
Bayern Munich publicly sent Coman a message of support:
FC Bayern strongly condemn the racist comments made towards Kingsley Coman.
The FC Bayern family is behind you, King. Racism has no place in sport or our society. pic.twitter.com/9Mvhrt0Zc9
Both Mbappé and Coman played in the final against Argentina. The former notched a hat trick and made his attempt in the penalty shootout, while Coman had his attempt saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Racial abuse continues to be a major concern in world football. Following the Euro 2020 final, four people were arrested for racially abusing England's Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka on social media platforms.
We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.
I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.
It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 12, 2021
"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable," English manager Gareth Southgate told reporters at the time. "Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country. ... We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody. We felt the energy and positivity from the fans and I'm incredibly proud of that."
Per the AP, the French federation said it plans to file criminal complaints against individuals who directed abuse at the players.
Karim Benzema Retires from International Play After France's Loss in World Cup
Dec 19, 2022
France's forward Karim Benzema looks on during a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on November 17, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after France's defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final.
Karim Benzema announces that he's retiring from international football on his 35th birthday.
"I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending," Benzema said, via Colin Millar of the Mirror.
The 35-year-old made the France squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he suffered a thigh injury in training and was ruled out for the tournament. Though he was not replaced on the roster, he did not stay with the team and chose not to attend Sunday's final.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Tom Blow of the Mirror), Benzema "cut off" communication with the team and head coach Didier Deschamps after they wouldn't let him stay following the injury.
Deschamps dodged questions on Benzema's availability after France's first two group-stage games.
"I have 24 players here and I'm thinking about them," he told reporters. "I will let you speak, debate, and imagine, but I'm not going to comment on things that don't concern our daily business."
Asked about Benzema again following victory in the semifinals over Morocco, Deschamps said, "I don't really want to answer that question."
Benzema was not part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad amid a blackmail scandal with former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, for which he received a one-year suspended prison sentence. He was also left off the 2010 World Cup roster despite competing with the team during qualifying.
He earned 97 caps across 15 years with the national team yet only appeared in one World Cup, helping the 2014 squad reach the quarterfinal with three goals and two assists in five matches.
The striker has been one of the world's best players at the club level, helping Real Madrid win five Champions League titles. He earned the 2022 Ballon d'Or after winning Champions League and La Liga titles with Los Blancos, scoring 44 goals in all competitions.
Fans Heartbroken for Kylian Mbappé After France's World Cup Loss to Messi, Argentina
Dec 18, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Kylian Mbappe of France looks dejected after a penalty shoot out loss during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Do any of us even fully understand what we just saw?
In what may be remembered as the greatest soccer match ever played—given the stakes, maybe the greatest sporting event ever contested, period—Argentina won the World Cup, beating France 4-2 on penalties after the match finished tied at three apiece in extra time.
There was something fitting about the hat trick from the most ascendant young star in the game, Kylian Mbappé, only being bested by the greatest player to ever step foot on a football pitch, Lionel Messi, and the brace he provided.
Incredible finish. Messi finally wins the World Cup. Mbappe scores a hat trick and still loses. Best World Cup final of all time. One of the greatest games I've ever seen. I love football so much.
The enduring memory of the contest will be Messi and Argentina's triumph. But football Twitter was nonetheless stunned by the brilliance of Mbappé, even in defeat, with many heartbroken on behalf of the French superstar:
Appreciation tweet for Kylian Mbappe! He scored a World Cup final hat-trick and yet ended up on the losing side. What a player and he's only 23 years old ❤️ #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/VOTzSfqW7V
A final for the ages - and , on the day, the right winners. Argentina dominated that game for so long. Travesty had they lost it. Fancy getting a hat trick in the final and losing. Feel for Mbappe on that score. But Messi has given game so much he deserves this crowning moment.
France showed the heart of a champion to battle back and make this a final for the ages. And yes, Kylian Mbappe is that dude. He's 23 and very nearly willed France to another World Cup.
We haven't seen the last of Mbappe on this stage. Not by a long shot.
Astonishing. Mbappé and Messi went head to head for two hours and neither of them blinked. Neither of them could have offered anymore, neither can be questioned after this.
Not often you see the best two players in the world on the same pitch in opposition rising to the occasion like that. One to remember forever. Mbappé took our breath away. Messi stole our hearts. ❤️⚽️
Can’t help but think Mbappe basically scored four times today and still gotta hold an L. Sports are so beautifully cruel sometimes. Reason why you can’t call athletes losers for not winning it all. He QUITE LITERALLY couldn’t have played any better.
Neither team deserved to lose. At various points, it seemed both sides were in full control.
Most of regulation belonged to Argentina, as the country took a 2-0 first-half lead and seemed in complete control of the proceedings. France didn't get off so much as a shot until the 71st minute.
But then there was Mbappé. In a brilliant, breathless 97 seconds, he turned the match on its head with the sort of heroics that only a superstar can muster.
And yet again Messi—doing everything in his power to earn his country its first World Cup title since Diego Maradona's heroics in 1986—conjured up the magical moment, slotting home a goal after a fortuitous rebound.
"Anything you can do, I can do better," came the reply from Mbappé just 10 minutes later, as he scored from the spot for a second time to pull France even one last time.
And so extra time drained away and both teams prepared for the cruelest form of finality in sports, the penalty shootout. Messi and Mbappé stepped up first and, to the surprise of no one, both scored.
The superstars had done their part. Now, their fates rested on the composure—or lack thereof—of their respective countrymen. Messi's teammates met the moment, and World Cup glory was finally his.
But nobody will forget the performance of a 23-year-old Mbappé in his second World Cup final. Only the greatest player to ever live could keep him and France from repeating as champions.
