FIFA open disciplinary case over discriminatory chants in Spain v Egypt friendly

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following reports of Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during an international friendly between Spain national football team and Egypt national football team.

The match, played on March 31 at the RCDE Stadium—home of RCD Espanyol—ended in a goalless draw but was overshadowed by offensive chants from a section of Spain supporters.

During the game, some fans were heard chanting, “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” prompting widespread condemnation.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed its action, saying, “FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings today against the Spanish FA for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt.”

Spanish authorities have also stepped in, with police opening an investigation into the incident shortly after the match.

Spain winger Lamine Yamal publicly denounced the chants, describing them as disrespectful and intolerable in a post shared on Instagram.

The Egyptian Football Association strongly criticised the behaviour, calling it an entirely unacceptable “repugnant act of racism.”

However, the federation emphasized that the actions of a minority of fans would not damage the longstanding relationship between both football bodies.

FIFA’s disciplinary process is expected to determine whether sanctions will be imposed on the Spanish federation as global football continues to confront issues of discrimination and fan misconduct.