FIFA Sanctions Spain Over Anti-Muslim Chants by Fans

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been sanctioned after a group of Spain supporters directed discriminatory chants at Muslims during a match in March. FIFA, world football’s governing body, has ordered Spain to close 15 per cent of the stadium seats for its next international friendly and fined the federation $20,000.

The incident took place during Spain’s friendly against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona on March 31. The match ended in a goalless draw. Around the 10th minute of the first half, a group of Spanish supporters began chanting, “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim.” The same chant was heard again at the start of the second half.

Following the incident, messages were displayed on the stadium’s giant screens urging spectators to refrain from discriminatory behaviour and to stand against it. The same message was shown again at the beginning of the second half. However, some sections of the crowd responded with boos.

FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation following the incident. The organisation described the supporters’ chants as “Islamophobic and xenophobic”.

Both the Spanish and Egyptian football federations condemned the incident. However, in its written submission to FIFA’s disciplinary committee, the Spanish federation argued that the chant did not amount to discriminatory behaviour.

FIFA’s committee rejected the argument, concluding that the chant was not innocuous.

Under the sanction, Spain must close 15 per cent of the stadium’s capacity for its next international friendly. Most of the affected seats will be located behind the two goals.

However, subject to FIFA’s approval, these seats may be allocated to members of various social groups or specific categories of spectators, including families, students and members of anti-discrimination organisations. The Spanish federation must also pay a fine of $20,000.

Spain’s next international friendly is tentatively scheduled for June. However, if the team qualifies for the UEFA Nations League final, implementation of the sanction could be postponed. In that case, the penalty may be enforced during an available window in next year’s UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying schedule.