FIFA has upheld a $20,000 fine and a partial stadium closure against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chanting by supporters during an international friendly against Egypt in Barcelona. RaveNewsOnline reports.
The governing body’s appeals panel confirmed the decision following an initial verdict by disciplinary judges.
The sanction stems from a 0–0 draw played at RCDE Stadium on March 31, during which sections of the crowd directed discriminatory chants toward Muslim spectators in the 10th and 47th minutes.
Spanish winger Lamine Yamal publicly condemned the chants on social media, describing the behavior as ignorant, disrespectful, and racist.
In its ruling, FIFA’s disciplinary panel noted that harsh sanctions were necessary to deter discriminatory behavior, while acknowledging that Spanish officials acted promptly to condemn the incident, cooperate with match delegates, and identify responsible individuals.
Under the terms of the penalty, the RFEF must pay $20,000 and close at least 15 percent of stadium capacity, primarily behind the goals, during its next home friendly match.
FIFA specified that restricted sections may instead be allocated to community groups, students, families, and anti-discrimination advocacy organizations.
Following the dismissal of its initial appeal by FIFA, the Spanish federation confirmed plans to challenge the severity of the sanction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
