Spain's national team has been fined $20,000 by FIFA for anti-Muslim chants by fans during the friendly against Egypt on March 31. The governing body has also ordered that 15% of the stadium be closed or filled with community groups for Spain's next men's senior home friendly, a sanction likely to be applied in June 2027 or March 2028.

The match, which ended 0-0 at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by the chant 'the one who doesn't jump is a Muslim' being heard in the 10th and 47th minutes. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sought to have the disciplinary process thrown out, arguing the word 'Muslim' is an accepted term for a follower of Islam. FIFA's disciplinary committee concluded the chants "clearly use religious identity as a means of distinguishing and discriminating against the opposing side". A reasonable observer, FIFA added, would see 'Muslim' used as "a marker of exclusion and ridicule".

Lamine Yamal's condemnation

Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, strongly condemned the incident in April. "I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people," Yamal wrote on Instagram. The young winger added: "Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in."

FIFA noted this was a first offense for the RFEF and praised the quick reaction of Spanish officials, who implemented preventive measures such as anti-discrimination messages on big screens and half-time announcements urging fans to stop. The verdict, initially ruled by three disciplinary judges, was later upheld by FIFA's appeals body.

This off-field episode contrasts with the team's excellent form, heading into the November fixtures on a four-game winning streak. Their latest victory was a 1-2 away win against Croatia on October 6, featuring a brace from Mikel Merino. The side, led by top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal with five goals this season, faces the Czech Republic away on November 12 in a qualifier. The FIFA sanction is a sign that work off the pitch remains key.

The original report is at ESPN Soccer

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced today that it will appeal the FIFA sanction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The RFEF confirmed its intention to take the case to the higher instance. The team, which arrives with four consecutive wins after beating Croatia on October 6th, maintains its good form despite the legal dispute.