)
An Argentine official was shown the door after calling out the national football team captain Lionel Messi.
Julio Garro, Argentina's Undersecretary for Sports, has been dismissed from his position amidst a storm of controversy stemming from demands he made for an apology from football star Lionel Messi.
The incident revolves around alleged racist chants sung by members of the Argentine football team during celebrations following their Copa America victory against Colombia.
The controversy erupted when a video surfaced showing players mocking French footballers of African descent.
One of the verses in the contentious song referenced the African heritage of French players, which sparked outrage and condemnation globally, including from the French Football Federation (FFF).
)
19:01 - 17.07.2024
How Manchester United could line up in 2024/25 season with Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and more
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could have several new faces by the time the Red Devils play in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Garro, in response to the video going viral, publicly called for both Lionel Messi and Claudio Fabian Tapia, the President of the Argentine Football Federation, to issue apologies.
He expressed concern that such behavior tarnished Argentina's image on the international stage. "I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president," Garro stated in a radio interview.
His remarks, however, were swiftly met with a strong reaction from the Argentine government.
)
07:00 - 17.07.2024
'They sleep with transgender people, like f*** Mbappe'- Football chant lands Enzo Fernandez in trouble
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez under fire for alleged racist Chant: FFF files complain
President Javier Milei's Office announced Garro's dismissal, citing that "no government can dictate what comments or actions should be made by the Argentine National Team or any citizen."
The decision to remove Garro from his role as Undersecretary of Sports underscored the government's stance on individual expression and the autonomy of sports entities.
Meanwhile, FIFA has initiated an investigation into the incident, condemning any form of discrimination.
The global football body emphasized its commitment to combating discrimination in all its forms, including those involving players, fans, and officials.
)
10:28 - 18.07.2024
Enzo Fernadez apologises after involvement in controversial video as Argentina celebrated Copa America victory
Enzo posted a video on Instagram that featured him and his teammates singing a football chant that has been deemed to be racist and homophobic
Enzo Fernandez, whose live stream captured the controversial chants, issued a public apology, acknowledging the offensive nature of the language used. His club, Chelsea, also initiated disciplinary proceedings internally.
The fallout from this incident underscores ongoing challenges within the realm of sports and society at large, highlighting the complexities of cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities of public figures.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)