Spain fined and ordered to close part of stadium after anti-Muslim chants

Spain supporters chanted about Muslims during a friendly against Egypt in Barcelona on 31 March.

FIFA found the chant discriminatory, saying it used religious identity to exclude and ridicule the opposing side.

Spain’s football federation was fined $20,000 and must close 15% of the stadium at the national team’s next friendly.

FIFA may approve filling those seats with families, students or anti-discrimination groups instead.

The federation argued the chant was not discriminatory, but FIFA rejected that position.

The penalty is meant to address discriminatory conduct at matches, after anti-discrimination warnings at the game did not stop the chanting.

Spain’s next possible friendly is in June, but if the team reaches the Nations League finals, the penalty will be delayed until an empty date during Euro 2028 qualifying next autumn.