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

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish football federation after racist and Islamophobic chanting during last Tuesday's 0-0 friendly between Spain and Egypt. FIFA confirmed the action on Tuesday.

Both nations are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and the game was played at the RCDE Stadium, the home of Espanyol Barcelona. Part of the Spanish support sang Islamophobic chants, including a line about those not jumping being Muslim.

At half-time, a message on the big screen reminded fans that legislation to prevent violence in sport bans and penalises violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist behaviour. Instructions were also relayed by the stadium announcer.

After the match, head coach Luis De La Fuente condemned the chanting, calling any racist or xenophobic act intolerable and expressing total disgust. Spanish federation president Rafael Louzan described it as an isolated incident that must not be repeated, and Catalan police opened an investigation.

The episode sparked widespread indignation in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called it unacceptable and criticised a minority of supporters for tarnishing the country's image, with Spain due to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco, whose population is majority Muslim.

Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, also condemned the chants as an intolerable lack of respect. Despite efforts by authorities and several court rulings, the case has again highlighted Spanish football's struggle to eradicate racism in stadiums and on the pitch.

Source: L'Équipe