FIFA to sanction Spain over Islamophobic chant against Egypt

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following reports of Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during a friendly match between Spain and Egypt on March 31

The incident occurred at RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, home of LaLiga side Espanyol, where some Spanish fans chanted, “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” during the World Cup warm-up game that ended 0-0.

“FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings today against the Spanish FA for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt,” the global governing body said in a statement.

Spanish authorities also launched an investigation into the chants last week. Spain winger Lamine Yamal described the behavior as “disrespectful and intolerable” in an Instagram post.

The Egyptian Football Association condemned the chants as a “repugnant act of racism,” emphasizing that the actions of a small group of spectators would not affect the strong ties between the Spanish and Egyptian football federations.