The French Football Federation (FFF) has publicly defended Wesley Fofana after the defender was subjected to racist abuse on 21 February 2026, following Chelsea F.C.’s 1–1 draw against Burnley F.C..

Fofana was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card. In the aftermath of the match, the French international reportedly received numerous racist messages on Instagram, including messages and comments containing monkey emojis.

In response, the FFF issued a strong statement of support for the player:

“For several days, Wesley Fofana has been the target of unacceptable racist remarks.

The FFF gives its full support to @Wesley_Fofana3 and condemns these disgraceful attacks in the strongest possible terms.

Racism is not an opinion. It is a crime.

We cannot tolerate hatred in our sport. The jersey we wear, whatever it may be, represents far more than a club or a national team: it carries values of respect, commitment and solidarity.

Attacking a player because of the colour of his skin is attacking those values. The pitch must remain a space of passion, pride and unity.”

Fofana is not the only player to have faced racist abuse in recent days. Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare and Hannibal Mejbri were also subjected to racist messages on Instagram this past week.

Both Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. and Burnley F.C. have since released statements condemning the abuse and confirming their commitment to working with authorities to identify and hold those responsible accountable.