Spain handed partial stadium closure after discriminatory chants v Egypt

What the report says

Spain have been ordered to play their next international friendly with part of the stadium closed after discriminatory chants targeting Muslims were heard during the team’s 0-0 draw with Egypt in Barcelona on 31 March, BBC Sport Football reported. The chants were heard in the first half and again at the start of the second half at the RCDE Stadium, where an anti-discrimination message was shown on the screen in response.

Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), describing the incident as involving “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chanting. According to the BBC report, the RFEF condemned the chants but argued they did not amount to discriminatory conduct; Fifa’s disciplinary committee rejected that position. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also called the abuse “intolerable.”

Under the sanction, 15% of the stadium must be closed for Spain’s next friendly, mainly in the stands behind the goals. Fifa said the RFEF may request that some of those seats be filled by community or special-interest groups, such as families, students and anti-discrimination organisations, subject to approval. Spain were also fined $20,000. The BBC noted that the timing of the punishment could be affected if Spain’s schedule changes because of Nations League or Euro 2028 qualifying commitments.