BARCELONA, Spain — FIFA has initiated disciplinary action against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following reports of anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match against Egypt last week.
During the World Cup warm-up held at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spanish fans chanted, “If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim,” towards the Egyptian team, which is predominantly Muslim and whose state religion is Islam.
In response, FIFA reviewed video footage of the match along with reports from the referee, match inspector, and the on-site security personnel.
The governing body has decided to proceed with disciplinary measures against the RFEF, which could include fines and possible stadium closures.
“FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the RFEF concerning the incidents during the friendly against Egypt,” a spokesperson for FIFA confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Local authorities, known as the Mossos, are also investigating reports of “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” that occurred during the Spain-Egypt match.
Both RFEF president Rafael Louzán and Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the chants, which have had a significant impact on La Roja and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.
At just 18 years old, Yamal has emerged as a key player for Spain, contributing to their UEFA Euro 2024 victory two years prior, and is poised to play a crucial role as the team aims for World Cup success in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Yamal, whose parents hail from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, practices Islam and expressed being deeply affected by the events.
“I am Muslim, alhamdulillah [thanks be to God],” he shared on Instagram the next day. “During the match, there were chants of ‘If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim.’ I understand this was directed at the opposing team and not meant personally, but as a Muslim, it remains disrespectful and completely unacceptable.”
“I recognize that not all fans think this way, but to those who engage in such chants: using religion to mock others in a stadium is both ignorant and racist.
“Football should be a source of enjoyment, a way to express support, not a platform to disrespect others for their identities or beliefs.”