FIFA opens disciplinary case over racist and Islamophobic chants at Spain v Egypt | OneFootball

FIFA announced on Tuesday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the RFEF over racist and Islamophobic chanting during Spain’s friendly with Egypt at RCDE Stadium, Cornellà-El Prat. The chant "musulmán el que no bote" was heard on three occasions.

Referee Georgi Kabakov noted the incidents in his report, although he did not trigger the in-game protocol.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee will examine a potential breach of article 15 of its code. A fine is viewed as likely, with recent national-team cases drawing 5,000 to 20,000 Swiss francs.

Further measures have included mandatory prevention plans or partial stadium closures for a later fixture. If imposed, Spain would host a future home match with a stand closed. The next home game is slated for June at Riazor, days before the World Cup.

As a mitigating factor, the RFEF activated the anti-racism protocol of its own accord at half-time after the chant was twice heard. PA announcements and big screens carried messages against violent behaviour, then repeated after a third instance in the second half.

The chants drew condemnation from head coach Luis de la Fuente and Lamine Yamal. Yamal, who is Muslim, called them disrespectful and intolerable, adding that using a religion as a taunt shows ignorance and racism.

Outside football, the Mossos d’Esquadra opened an investigation. The Spanish government asked the public prosecutor to examine the chants as a possible hate crime. The Catalan government also denounced the incidents.

Source: Superdeporte