Argentina Apologizes to France in Football-Chant Controversy

Buenos Aires has issued an apology to France after Argentina’s vice president, Victoria Villarruel, made derogatory comments about the European country. Villarruel criticized France as “colonialist” and its people as “hypocrites” following an incident involving alleged racist chants by Argentine footballers. President Javier Milei’s office clarified that Villarruel’s remarks were made in her personal capacity, not representing the official stance of the Argentine government. A senior official was sent to the French embassy to address the issue.

FIFA has launched an investigation into the chants sung by Argentine players, including Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, after their Copa America victory. The chants, which were recorded and posted on social media by Fernandez from the team bus, included racist and homophobic insults targeting French star Kylian Mbappe and others.

Fernandez has issued an apology, and Chelsea has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure against him. The French Football Federation (FFF) has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA.

In response to the incident, Villarruel defended Fernandez on social media, stating: “No colonialist country is going to intimidate us because of a stadium chant nor for speaking truths that they do not want to admit. Enough with feigned outrage, hypocrites.”

The diplomatic row comes just before President Milei’s planned visit to Paris for the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni reassured that diplomatic relations with France remain intact. Additionally, Julio Garro, Argentina’s undersecretary for sports, was dismissed this week after suggesting that captain Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association should apologize for the chants.