FIFA opens disciplinary case against Spain over racist chants
FIFA launched an investigation into the Spanish Football Federation following offensive chants during a March 31 friendly against Egypt at Cornellà-El Prat stadium.
5:44 PM
FIFA opened a disciplinary proceeding Tuesday against the Royal Spanish Football Federation over incidents that occurred during a friendly match against Egypt on March 31, according to sources confirmed to the news agency EFE.
The match, played at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat before 35,895 spectators, ended in a 0-0 draw but was marked by offensive chants from sections of the crowd. Supporters directed racist and Islamophobic chants, including "Muslim, whoever doesn't jump is," which were repeated multiple times beginning around the 20th minute from an area typically occupied by RCD Espanyol's "La Curva" supporters group.
The offensive chants began early in the match. Within eight minutes of kickoff, part of the crowd started singing the offensive phrase. The chant gradually gained strength and spread throughout the stadium. The offensive behavior also included jeers directed at Egypt's national anthem.
Under FIFA's anti-racism protocol, the match could have been stopped due to the nature of the chants. However, Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov did not invoke the protocol and received no request from players to do so.
The Spanish Football Federation condemned the racist episode publicly. Player Lamine Yamal also issued a public condemnation of the racism that occurred during the match.
The friendly was part of the latest FIFA international match window. FIFA's disciplinary process will determine what sanctions, if any, will be imposed on the Spanish federation in connection with the incidents.