The world football governing body, FIFA, has rejected an appeal by Spain’s football federation against sanctions imposed over anti-Muslim chants by supporters during a friendly match against Egypt in March.
The FIFA Appeal Committee rejected the appeal on October 15, 2026, upholding the sanctions imposed on the Spanish football federation.
The ruling means the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) must pay a $20,000 fine and ensure at least 15 per cent of the seats are closed or reserved for approved community groups during Spain’s next home friendly.
The punishment followed chants of “whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim” during the match at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona on March 31. The game ended in a goalless draw.
The chants were heard twice, prompting stadium officials to display anti-discrimination messages on the screens and warn supporters through the public address system to stop.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee initially imposed the sanctions on August 4, ruling that the chants amounted to discriminatory conduct.
In its defence, the Spanish federation argued that the word “Muslim” was not inherently insulting and that it had responded promptly by condemning the chants, warning spectators and cooperating with authorities to identify those responsible.
However, FIFA maintained that a word does not have to be an explicit slur to become discriminatory. Its disciplinary committee said the meaning of the chant must be considered in its context, including how it was used to mock or single out people because of their religious identity.
The federation also argued that the punishment was too severe, particularly because it had taken steps to stop the behaviour and the chants did not continue after the warnings.
Following the rejection of its appeal, the RFEF said it would challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the body that settles disputes in international sports.
Lamine Yamal condemns the chants
Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, condemned the chants after the match, describing them as disrespectful and intolerable.
Although the chants were directed at the opposing side, Yamal said using a person’s religion as a taunt was unacceptable.
The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the incident, describing it as a racist act.
Spain’s football federation said it detected the chants through its monitoring systems and reported them to match officials. It also said it had increased security in the affected section of the stadium and worked with authorities to identify those responsible.
Under FIFA’s ruling, at least 15 per cent of the available seats at Spain’s next home friendly must be closed or, subject to FIFA approval, allocated to groups such as families, students and organisations working against discrimination.
