FIFA orders partial stadium closure for Spain over anti-Muslim chants

During the first half and shortly after the second half began, a group of Spanish supporters resorted to discriminatory chants targeting Muslims.An anti-discrimination warning appeared on the stadium screen, while an announcement urged supporters to stop the chants.

The warning was repeated early in the second half, prompting whistles from some sections of the crowd.FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings over what it described as Islamophobic and xenophobic conduct.The RFEF argued that the chant did not constitute discrimination and that the word "Muslim" was not inherently insulting.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rejected the argument, finding that words not offensive in isolation could become discriminatory when used to ridicule or demean a religious identity.The committee said the federation could not "persuasively maintain both that the chant was entirely harmless and that it warranted activation of anti-discrimination measures."FIFA acknowledged that Spanish officials had introduced preventive measures, cooperated with match authorities, publicly condemned the incident and sought to identify those involved.Following….

Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, also condemned the chants, saying that using religion as a taunt was disrespectful and racist.The Egyptian Football Association called the chants a "repugnant act of racism," stressing that the conduct of a small group would not damage relations between the two national federations.The sanction applies only to Spain's next home friendly, not a competitive fixture.

Its implementation could be delayed depending on Spain's Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying schedule.

FIFA orders partial stadium closure for Spain over anti-Muslim chants Anadolu Agency | Updated 17 minutes ago | 15% of seats to close during Spain's next home friendly following discriminatory chants at match against Egypt.