FIFA fines Spain $20,000 for anti-Muslim chants at Egypt game condemned by Lamine Yamal

FIFA has imposed a $20,000 fine on Spain for fans chanting an anti-Muslim slogan during a warmup friendly against Egypt in Barcelona. The incident, which occurred on March 31, was condemned by Spain star Lamine Yamal, a Muslim, as "disrespectful and intolerable." The verdict was confirmed by FIFA's appeals body after an initial ruling by three disciplinary judges.

FIFA stated that "harsh sanctions were necessary," noting that it was a first offense for the Spanish soccer federation. The federation must now pay the fine and implement crowd measures at their next home friendly, likely to be in June 2027 or March 2028. Additionally, 15% of the seats in Spain's home stadium must be closed or filled with specific interest groups such as families, students, and anti-discrimination organizations.

FIFA praised Spanish officials for putting preventive measures in place before the game, cooperating with match officials and authorities, publicly condemning the chant, and working to identify the responsible fans.