Why Enzo Fernandez is on the verge of escaping FA ban for racist chant despite Rodrigo Bentancur's accusation after Premier League loophole

Enzo Fernandez is on the verge of escaping an FA ban for his racist chant during the Copa America due to a bizarre legal loophole.

The Argentine filmed himself singing a derogatory song after the fall of his country America's Cup win earlier this year.

The song refers to the number of French national team players of African descent. The lyrics say: “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.”

This led him to his Chelsea Teammate Wesley Fofana publicly calling out Fernandez and describing the song as “uninhibited racism.”

Several other Blues players also unfollowed Fernandez on social media.

The midfielder was quick to apologise but is set to avoid a Premier League ban.

This is in total contrast to Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancurwho faces a suspension of six to 12 games for racist comments made about Heung-min's son.

The Uruguayan has already been accused by the FABut his South American compatriot cannot be punished due to a legal loophole.

Why doesn't the FA report Fernandez?

When Fernandez sang the racist chant, he was on international duty.

The FA therefore considered that the matter was not of concern to them and decided… He handed over responsibility for any possible sanctions to FIFA..

This means it has escaped a national suspension, but could still face an international ban.

FIFA is still investigating Fernandez and is awaiting a response from CONMEBOL – South American football's governing body – before making any decision regarding disciplinary action.

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So why is Bentancur different?

Bentancur's offence took place on Uruguayan television in June, weeks after Tottenham's 2023/24 Premier League season ended.

However, it remains an FA matter as the midfielder has not been officially released by Spurs to take part in the Copa America.

There is also precedent behind this, with the FA failing to sanction Manchester City star Rodri for his comments about Gibraltar this summer.

The 28-year-old was suspended for one match by UEFA alongside Alvaro Morata for violating “decent conduct” rules by singing about Gibraltar after Spain's 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 end.

On the Uruguayan television show Por La Camiseta, a journalist asked: “Can you get me the Korean's shirt?” to which Bentancur replied: “Sonny?” and the journalist said: “Or any other champion's?”

Bentancur replied: “Or any of Sonny's cousins, they all look more or less alike!” to which the reporter replied: “Yes, of course!”

Bentancur has deemed this an aggravated offence and faces a lengthy period on the sidelines.

But because he is on international duty, Fernandez is destined to escape domestic punishment.