Spain sanctioned to partially close their stadium following incidents where Spanish fans directed Islamophobic chants at Egypt..

FIFA announced on its official website on Monday that the Spain national team has been sanctioned, requiring them to partially close their stadium during an upcoming match, following incidents where Spanish fans directed Islamophobic chants at Egypt.

According to FIFA's official statement, the organization’s Disciplinary Committee found that the conduct violated rules prohibiting Islamophobia and xenophobia. 

Consequently, the Spain national team must keep 15% of the stadium’s stands vacant for an upcoming match. These seats may only be occupied by individuals invited by FIFA, specifically representatives from human rights and equality organizations, their family members, or students.

The affected sections are the stands located behind both goals. Additionally, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been fined €20,000 for failing to effectively manage fan conduct.

The incident occurred during an international friendly match between Spain and Egypt, held on March 31, 2026, at the home stadium of RCD Espanyol in the Catalonia region.

During the match, a group of Spanish fans was heard chanting in Spanish shortly after the start of both the first and second halves: "Jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim."

Although the match ended in a 0–0 draw, the behaviour of these fans drew sharp criticism from the Egyptian Football Association.

Spain and FC Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who is of Moroccan descent and a practicing Muslim, condemned the actions after the match, saying: "The fans who engaged in this racist behaviour are profoundly ignorant."

Spain’s national team head coach, Luis de la Fuente, also issued a stern rebuke, remarking: "These violent individuals are using football to carve out a repulsive space for themselves."

Image source: Internet / FIFA