FIFA fined the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) $20,000 and ordered Spain to close at least 15 per cent of seats at its next friendly after fans chanted Islamophobic slogans during a goalless draw with Egypt on March 31. FIFA's disciplinary committee rejected the RFEF's argument that the word 'Muslim' was not offensive, ruling that discriminatory language does not require an explicit insult. The closed seats are expected to be behind the goals, though FIFA may let anti-discrimination community groups occupy them, and the sanction could be postponed to Euro 2028 qualifying if Spain reaches the Nations League finals. Egypt's football association condemned the chants as a 'repugnant act of racism' but said the actions of a few fans would not undermine relations between the two federations.
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FIFA fined Spain $20,000 and ordered it to close at least 15% of seats for its next friendly after some fans chanted Islamophobic slogans during the 0-0 draw with Egypt at RCDE Stadium on March 31. The Spanish federation (RFEF) was also fined $20,000. The RFEF argued that the word “Muslim” was not insulting and that the case should fall under rules on political, ideological or religious messages, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected this, saying discriminatory language need not include an explicit slur. The closed seats will mainly be behind the goals and may instead be occupied by community or anti-discrimination groups, subject to FIFA approval. The sanction could be delayed to a free date next autumn if Spain reach the Nations League finals.
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