Spread the word
FIFA has fined the Spanish Football Federation $20,000 and ordered Spain to close at least 15 per cent of the available seats at its next friendly match following Islamophobic chants by some supporters during a game against Egypt.
The sanctions were announced on Friday after the incident occurred during a goalless draw between Spain and Egypt at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium on March 31, as both teams prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During the encounter, some Spanish supporters repeatedly chanted, “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” triggering condemnation from football authorities and players.
Following the second round of chanting, the stadium announcer warned supporters against the behaviour, while an anti-discrimination message was displayed on the scoreboard.
The Spanish Football Federation, also known as RFEF, condemned the incident, with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente describing the chants as “intolerable”.
Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who is a Muslim, also criticised the conduct of the supporters, describing it as disrespectful and racist.
FIFA rejects Spanish federation’s argument
The RFEF reportedly argued before FIFA that the word “Muslim” was not inherently offensive or insulting and that the incident should be considered under regulations governing political, ideological or religious messages rather than those addressing discrimination.
However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected the argument, maintaining that discriminatory language does not necessarily require an explicit insult or slur to constitute a violation.
According to the committee, words and expressions can become discriminatory when they are used to mock, insult or portray a particular group as inferior.
The decision underscores FIFA’s position on discriminatory conduct at football matches and the responsibility of national football associations to address the behaviour of supporters.
Spain to close sections of stadium
Under the disciplinary measures, Spain must close at least 15 per cent of the available stadium seats during its next friendly match. The affected areas are expected to be concentrated in sections behind the goals.
FIFA may, however, permit the restricted sections to be occupied by community groups and organisations involved in combating discrimination, subject to its approval.
Such groups could include families, students and other special-interest organisations as part of efforts to promote inclusion and respect in football.
In addition to the stadium restriction, the RFEF has been ordered to pay a $20,000 fine over the incident.
Spain’s next possible friendly match is scheduled for June. However, the stadium restriction could be postponed until an available date during next autumn’s Euro 2028 qualifying campaign if the country qualifies for the Nations League finals.
Egypt condemns chants
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association condemned the incident, describing the chants as a “repugnant act of racism”.
Despite its strong criticism, the Egyptian body said the conduct of a small number of Spanish supporters would not undermine relations between the football federations of both countries.
The incident has renewed attention on discrimination in football stadiums and the measures governing bodies can take against offensive behaviour by supporters.
FIFA’s sanctions against Spain follow the chants directed at Muslims during the international friendly, which ended without a goal at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Spread the word