FIFA has fined the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) €18,000 and ordered a partial closure of the stands for Spain’s next home friendly following Islamophobic chants by Spanish supporters during the team’s match against Egypt on March 31.
According to Spanish sports daily AS, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee took action over chants heard during the friendly at the Cornellà stadium. Around the 20th minute, a section of Spanish supporters chanted “whoever does not jump is Muslim,” targeting the Egyptian supporters.
The incidents prompted FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish federation, which was held responsible for the discriminatory behavior of its supporters.
Under the decision reported by AS, the RFEF must pay a €18,000 fine and ensure that Spain’s next home friendly is played with at least 15% of the stadium’s capacity closed. The affected seats should preferably be located in the stands behind the goals.
FIFA has, however, given the Spanish federation an alternative. Instead of leaving the seats empty, the RFEF may, with prior approval from FIFA, allocate them to families, students or associations involved in the fight against discrimination.
The option is subject to several conditions. The federation must submit an anti-discrimination awareness program, including measures such as shirts carrying messages of tolerance or banners displayed in the stands.
According to AS, the program must be submitted to FIFA at least 15 days before the relevant match for approval.
The sanction reinforces the Spanish federation’s responsibility for discriminatory behavior by its supporters, months after the incidents that marred the friendly between Spain and Egypt.
