FIFA launches disciplinary investigation into Spanish Football Association over alleged Islamophobic chants

Disciplinary Proceedings Launched Against Spanish Football Federation Over Anti-Muslim Chants

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chants directed at players during a recent international friendly match between Spain and Egypt on March 31.

According to FIFA, a section of fans at the RCDE stadium in Barcelona chanted “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim” during the match. The governing body has taken action against the RFEF for failing to prevent such incidents.

This incident marks the latest in a series of similar cases involving anti-Muslim and racist chants in Spanish football. In recent years, players from various teams have faced abuse, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who was repeatedly targeted with racial slurs.

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned the incident as “unacceptable”. The RFEF had also condemned the chants, with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal expressing his disappointment at the lack of respect shown by some fans.

Yamal stated that he felt the chants were intolerable, regardless of whether he was targeted or not. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has also spoken out on the issue, stating that he believes Spain is not a tolerant country and that racism is present in the sport.

Source: Al Jazeera