BUENOS AIRES: Buenos Aires apologized to France after Argentina’s vice president called the European country “colonialist” and its people “hypocrites” in an argument over alleged racist chants by Argentine footballers.
President Javier Milei’s office said Friday it had sent a senior official to the French embassy to explain that Victoria Villarruel’s angry statement on social media was made in her personal capacity.
FIFA has announced an investigation into the chants sung by Argentina players, including Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 23, after they won the Copa America.
The chants were heard on a live video posted on social media by Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.
The song targets France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe among others and includes racist and homophobic insults.
Fernandez has apologized, but Chelsea have launched an internal disciplinary procedure against him. The French Football Federation (FFF) has complained to FIFA.
On Wednesday, Villarruel expressed support for Fernandez on X, saying: “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 incident came just days before Milei is due to travel to Paris to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
“Diplomatic relations with France are intact,” presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni said Friday.
Argentina’s under secretary for sports, Julio Garro, was dismissed from his post this week after saying captain Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association should apologize for the chants.
Argentina apologizes to France in football-chant row
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Argentina apologizes to France in football-chant row
Morocco reach Arab Cup final by defeating UAE
- Defense, organization again prove crucial for victors
- Jordan, Saudi Arabia contest second semifinal
DOHA: Morocco booked their place in the Arab Cup final with a commanding 3-0 victory over the UAE on Monday, extending their impressive defensive record in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions once again showcased their organization and composure at the back as they took control of the semifinal and capitalized clinically at the other end.
Morocco opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Karim El-Berkaoui rose highest to head home Hamza El-Moussaoui’s cross, a breakthrough that reflected their growing dominance.
True to form, taking the lead proved decisive for a side that have been nearly impenetrable throughout the tournament, with their only concession so far coming via an own goal in their opening match.
The UAE struggled to find space through the middle and were largely restricted to long-range efforts and hopeful deliveries into the box, all of which were comfortably dealt with by central defenders Soufiane Bouftini and Marwane Saadane.
Morocco added the finishing touches late on as their substitutes combined to decisive effect.
Abderrazak Hamdallah turned provider for Aschraf El-Mahdioui, who finished calmly from close range, before Hamdallah capped the performance by converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s cross to seal the result.
Morocco will now await the winner of the second semifinal between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which takes place later on Monday at Al-Bayt Stadium.
