FIFA has imposed disciplinary sanctions on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chants by supporters during Spain’s international friendly against Egypt earlier this year.
Under the ruling, at least 15% of seats at Spain’s next home friendly must remain closed, with restrictions primarily affecting sections behind the goals. The federation has also been fined $20,000.
The decision follows the goalless friendly between Spain and Egypt at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium on March 31, when sections of the Spanish crowd directed discriminatory chants towards Muslims.
The chanting was reported during the first half and continued shortly after the second half began.
Stadium authorities responded by displaying an anti-discrimination warning on the screen and making an announcement asking spectators to stop. A second warning was issued early in the second half, drawing whistles from some parts of the crowd.
FIFA subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings over conduct it classified as Islamophobic and xenophobic.
During the proceedings, the RFEF argued that the chants were not discriminatory, maintaining that the term “Muslim” was not offensive in itself.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee rejected that interpretation, ruling that even words considered neutral in ordinary circumstances could become discriminatory when used to mock or demean a person’s religious identity.
The committee stated that the federation could not “persuasively maintain both that the chant was entirely harmless and that it warranted activation of anti-discrimination measures.”
FIFA nevertheless acknowledged the Spanish federation’s efforts to address the incident, including preventive action, cooperation with match officials, public condemnation and attempts to identify those responsible.
The governing body has also allowed the possibility of using the restricted seating areas for community initiatives, subject to prior approval.
The RFEF may propose allocating those seats to families, students, anti-discrimination organisations or other community groups, provided the arrangement includes visible measures promoting equality and opposing discrimination.
Any such proposal must reach FIFA at least 15 days before the affected match.
The incident drew criticism from football officials and players in both countries.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the behaviour as “intolerable,” saying violent individuals were exploiting football to promote unacceptable conduct.
Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, also criticised the chants, describing the use of religion as an insult as disrespectful and racist.
The Egyptian Football Association denounced the incident as a “repugnant act of racism,” while emphasising that the actions of a minority of supporters would not harm relations between the two national federations.
The RFEF also publicly condemned the chants following the match.
FIFA clarified that the partial stadium closure will apply only to Spain’s next home friendly, rather than a competitive international fixture.
The timing of the sanction could depend on Spain’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying commitments.