BARCELONA, Spain — FIFA has initiated disciplinary actions against the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] following the occurrence of anti-Muslim chants during their recent friendly match with Egypt.
Supporters of Spain were heard chanting “If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim” during the World Cup warmup match held at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona against Egypt, a nation where Islam is the official state religion and the majority of the population practices the faith.
The global governing body of football, FIFA, subsequently examined video footage from the match and assessed reports from the referee, the match inspector, and the on-site security personnel.
FIFA has now opted to take measures against the RFEF, with possible penalties including fines and stadium closures.
“FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the RFEF for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt,” a representative from the organization confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
The Mossos, a branch of local law enforcement in Barcelona, are also looking into the “Islamophobic and xenophobic chants” that occurred during the Spain-Egypt match.
RFEF president Rafael LouzΓ‘n and Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente both vehemently denounced the chants, which also impacted La Roja and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.
At 18, Yamal is considered one of the prominent figures in the Spain squad, having contributed to their victory in UEFA Euro 2024 two years prior, and is expected to play a significant role as the team aims for success in the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Yamal, whose parents hail from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, is also a practicing Muslim and expressed that he was profoundly affected by the events.
“I am Muslim, alhamdulillah [thanks be to God],” he shared on Instagram the following day. “In the stadium there were chants of ‘If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim.’ I recognize it was directed at the opposing team and not personal, but as a Muslim, it remains disrespectful and entirely unacceptable.
“I acknowledge that not all supporters are involved, but to those who chant such things: using religion as a means to mock others in a stadium is ignorant and racist.
“Football should be a source of enjoyment, a way to show support, not a platform to disrespect others for their identity or beliefs.”
