Barcelona:Spain FIFA has mandated the partial closure of Spain's stadium for its next home friendly match following anti-Muslim chants by supporters during a game against Egypt.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, FIFA's decision requires that at least 15% of the stadium's seats remain unoccupied, specifically in the areas behind the goals. Additionally, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been fined $20,000.
The RFEF, subject to FIFA's approval, may choose to allocate these seats to community or special-interest groups, such as families, students, and anti-discrimination organizations. Any plan for the allocation must include prominent anti-discrimination measures and be submitted to FIFA at least 15 days before the match.
This sanction follows a goalless friendly match on March 31 against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, where discriminatory chants targeting Muslims were heard. Despite warnings and announcements urging fans to stop, some continued, prompting FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings citing Islamophobic and xenophobic behavior.
The RFEF contended that the chants were not discriminatory, arguing that the term "Muslim" was not offensive by itself. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee dismissed this argument, stating that non-offensive words can become discriminatory when used to demean a religious identity.
FIFA recognized the Spanish officials' efforts to implement preventive measures, cooperate with authorities, and publicly condemn the incident. Following the match, the RFEF denounced the chants, with Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente and player Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, condemning the behavior as intolerable and disrespectful.
The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the chants, calling them a "repugnant act of racism." They emphasized that the actions of a small group would not impact the relationship between the two football federations.
The sanction will be enforced only during Spain's next home friendly, not affecting competitive matches, and could be delayed based on Spain's upcoming schedule in the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers.