Fifa charges Spain over anti-Muslim fan chants during Egypt friendly
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Association after supporters aimed anti-Muslim chants during last week’s friendly match against Egypt.
The incident occurred during last Tuesday’s goalless World Cup warm-up fixture at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Spanish police had already confirmed they were investigating the conduct of spectators during the controversial game.
Football’s global governing body has now officially intervened, releasing a brief statement to confirm their disciplinary action.
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings today against the Spanish FA for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt.
Yamal and government condemn behaviour
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who is a practicing Muslim, described the targeted chanting as completely intolerable.
The teenage winger insisted the offensive nature of the songs remained deeply disrespectful, regardless of whether he was the direct subject.
Discriminatory songs, reportedly including the phrase “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim”, were clearly audible from the home stands.
These acts persisted despite stadium screens actively displaying warnings that racism and xenophobia constitute criminal offences.
Spain’s Justice Minister Felix Bolanos took to social media to denounce the perpetrators and warned against the creeping influence of far-right ideology.
Racist insults and chants shame us as a society. The far right will not leave any space free of its hatred, and those who remain silent today are complicit.
Persistent racism issues in Spanish football
National team manager Luis de la Fuente also voiced his disgust at the ugly scenes in Catalonia.
The European Championship-winning coach insisted such individuals do not represent the sport and must be isolated from broader society.
Meanwhile, the Spanish FA reinforced their own stance, issuing a formal statement to condemn any acts of violence or discrimination inside stadiums.
This latest episode further highlights the severe, ongoing battle against racism within Spanish football.
The country’s domestic league has faced intense global scrutiny in recent years, largely stemming from repeated racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr.
