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FIFA sanctions Spain over discriminatory chants during Egypt match
FIFA has upheld sanctions against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following discriminatory, Islamophobic chants during a friendly match against Egypt on March 31 at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. The chants, which included the phrase “whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim,” were heard twice during the match.
The disciplinary measures include a $20,000 fine and a requirement to partially close the stadium for Spain’s next home friendly. At least 15% of the available seats must remain closed, primarily in the stands behind the goals, though FIFA may allow these seats to be allocated to families, students, or anti-discrimination organizations.
The RFEF appealed the decision, arguing that the term “Muslim” is not inherently insulting and that the federation had taken appropriate measures to warn fans via stadium screens and announcements. However, FIFA’s Appeals Committee rejected this, stating that the context of the chants used religious identity to ridicule and exclude. Spanish player Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, condemned the behavior as “disrespectful and intolerable.” The RFEF has indicated it may take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Entities
Egypt · FIFA · Lamine Yamal · Real Federación Española de Fútbol · Royal Spanish Football Federation · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] FIFA issued a warning to the Spanish football leadership regarding the 2030 World Cup organization. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 4 SOURCES] Fans chanted Islamophobic slogans and whistled the Egyptian national anthem. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 4 SOURCES] The incident occurred during a match between Spain and Egypt on March 31 at the RCDE Stadium. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] The RFEF must close at least 15% of seats during Spain's next home friendly match.
- [● 4 SOURCES] FIFA has fined the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) 20,000 USD. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 4 SOURCES] Spanish player Lamine Yamal condemned the chants as disrespectful and unacceptable. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.elcorreoweb.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The RFEF argued the chants should be treated under political/religious rules rather than discrimination rules.
- [● 2 SOURCES] FIFA rejected the RFEF's appeal regarding the sanctions. www.lacronicabadajoz.com