FIFA Fines Spain $20,000 Over Islamophobic Chants Against Egypt

FIFA Fines Spain $20,000 Over Islamophobic Chants Against Egypt

Spain’s football authorities have been fined $20,000 by FIFA after supporters directed Islamophobic chants at Egypt during an international friendly in Barcelona earlier this year.

FIFA also ordered the Spanish Football Federation to close at least 15 per cent of stadium seats for Spain’s next friendly as part of disciplinary measures imposed.

The incident happened on March 31, during a World Cup warm-up match at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium, where Spain and Egypt played out a goalless draw.

During the game, some fans repeatedly sang a chant saying, “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” prompting concerns over discriminatory behaviour in the stands there.

After supporters repeated the chant, the stadium announcer issued a warning, while an anti-discrimination message was displayed on the scoreboard to address the incident immediately.

The Spanish Football Federation, known as RFEF, condemned the chants, and national team coach Luis de la Fuente called them “intolerable” after the match ended.

Spain winger Lamine Yamal, a Muslim, also condemned the chants, describing them as disrespectful and racist, amid criticism of the behaviour by supporters in attendance.

Before FIFA, RFEF argued that the word “Muslim” was not automatically offensive, suggesting the incident should fall under rules on religious or ideological messages instead.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected that position, saying discriminatory language need not contain a slur when used to ridicule or portray a group as inferior publicly.

Under the sanction, at least 15 per cent of available seats must remain closed during Spain’s next friendly, particularly sections located behind the goals at the venue.

FIFA may permit community groups and anti-discrimination organisations to use some restricted seats, including places for families and students, if the governing body approves arrangements.

In addition to the stadium restriction, RFEF must pay FIFA a $20,000 fine. Spain’s friendly is expected in June, although the restriction could be postponed.

If Spain qualifies for Nations League finals, the stadium closure may instead be enforced on a suitable date during next autumn’s Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.

Egypt’s football association also condemned the chants as a “repugnant act of racism” but said the incident would not harm relations between the two federations.