FIFA opens a disciplinary case against the Spanish federation over anti-Islamic chants

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation on Tuesday over anti-Islamic chants by Spanish fans during a match against Egypt last week.

The chants drew condemnation from Spanish star Lamine Yamal, the Spanish government and the federation itself.

Spanish police had said they were investigating the behavior of fans during Tuesday’s friendly match in Barcelona.

“FIFA today opened a disciplinary procedure against the Spanish Football Federation over the incidents in the friendly match against Egypt,” the world football governing body said in a statement.

Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants of some fans at RCDE Stadium were disrespectful and intolerable. The Barcelona star said it didn’t matter that he wasn’t targeted.

Published on April 7, 2026