Spain faces partial stadium ban and fine after anti-Muslim chants in Egypt friendly

In a March 31 friendly at Barcelona's RCDE Stadium, a minority of Spanish fans were heard chanting an anti-Muslim slogan early in both halves of the match against Egypt, which ended 0-0. FIFA launched disciplinary action, labeling the chants Islamophobic and xenophobic, and dismissed the Spanish Football Association's argument that the chants were harmless. The governing body imposed a 15% partial closure of the stadium, primarily behind the goals, and fined the Spanish federation $20,000.

The closure may be filled with community or anti-discrimination groups if FIFA approves. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente called the chants intolerable, while the Egyptian Football Association described them as a repugnant act of racism but said they would not affect the close ties between the two federations. The penalty will apply to Spain's next friendly in June, unless delayed by a Nations League qualification scenario.