FIFA, the global governing body of football, has launched disciplinary action against Spain’s football federation following anti-Muslim chants during a recent friendly against Egypt.
The incident occurred on March 31 at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium, where a group of supporters were heard chanting, “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim.”
“FIFA has today opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish FA over the incidents in the friendly against Egypt,” the organization confirmed in a statement to AFP.
The episode adds to a series of controversies that have plagued Spanish football in recent years, including repeated racist abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Spanish police said last week they were investigating chants described as “Islamophobic and xenophobic,” while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the behavior as “unacceptable,” stressing that a small, uncivil minority should not be allowed to damage the country’s image.
The Spanish Football Federation also denounced the chants, and Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim and featured in the match, criticized those responsible, calling their actions disrespectful and rooted in ignorance and racism.
