FIFA fines Spain $20,000 over racist incidents at Egypt friendly

FIFA has levied a $20,000 fine on the Spanish Football Federation and mandated the closure of at least 15% of seating at Spain's next friendly match following Islamophobic chants from some supporters during a game against Egypt. The incident occurred on March 31 during a goalless draw between the two nations at Barcelona's RCDE Stadium.

The chanting, which included the phrase "Who doesn't jump is a Muslim," prompted a stadium announcer to warn the fans and the display of an anti-discrimination message on the scoreboard. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) condemned the behavior immediately after. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, described the chants as "intolerable," as did winger Lamine Yamal, who is a Muslim, calling the incident "disrespectful and racist."

The RFEF argued that the word "Muslim" was not necessarily offensive or insulting, maintaining that the incident should be classified as falling under regulations covering political, ideological, or religious messages, not rules against discrimination. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee disagreed, stating that discriminatory language can become offensive when used to insult, mock, or portray a group as inferior.

Under the sanctions, Spain must restrict at least 15% of available seats during its next friendly match, primarily sections behind the goals, though FIFA may permit these restricted seats to be occupied by community groups and organizations combating discrimination, if approved. The Spanish federation will also pay a $20,000 fine.

Spain's next possible friendly is scheduled for June, although the stadium restriction could be postponed to an available date during next autumn's Euro 2028 qualifying campaign if Spain qualifies for the Nations League finals. Egypt's football association also condemned the incident, describing the chants as a "repugnant act of racism," yet noted that the conduct of a small number of Spanish supporters would not harm the relationship between the two countries' football federations.