FIFA fines Spain, orders stadium closure over Islamophobic chants
FIFA sanctioned Spain's football federation after fans chanted Islamophobic slogans during a friendly against Egypt, with Spain appealing the ruling.
What happened
FIFA fined the Royal Spanish Football Federation $20,000 and ordered a partial stadium closure of at least 15% of seats for Spain's next home friendly, over discriminatory chants aimed at Muslims during a match against Egypt.123578
The chants occurred during a March friendly against Egypt at RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, which ended 0-0, with fans reportedly chanting "Who doesn't jump is a Muslim" on two occasions.8
FIFA's Appeal Committee rejected an initial appeal by Spain against the sanctions.1
Spain is further appealing the FIFA penalty to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.6
Key points
- FIFA fined Spain $20,000 and ordered a partial stadium closure of at least 15% of seats for the team's next friendly.13578
- The sanctions were issued because Spain fans chanted discriminatory, Islamophobic slogans during a friendly against Egypt.12345678
- The incident took place during a match against Egypt played on 31 March.28
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a direct response or statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation or Spain's players regarding the chants.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed how many fans took part in the chants or how stadium authorities responded during the match beyond a reference to action after the second occurrence.
Why it matters
The sanctions relate to a World Cup warm-up match between Spain and Egypt that ended in a 0-0 draw.8
What to watch
- The outcome of Spain's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sources (8)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 2BBC SportGBPublic broadcaster
Spain handed partial stadium closure after discriminatory chants v Egypt
Middle East & Turkey
- 3Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
FIFA orders partial stadium closure for Spain over anti-Muslim chants
- 6Al Jazeera EnglishQAState-controlled
Spain to appeal to CAS after FIFA penalty for Islamophobic chants
- 8Arab NewsSAPrivate
Spain punished by FIFA for Islamophobic chants in Egypt friendly
Africa
- 1PunchNGPrivate
FIFA upholds punishment for anti-Muslim chants at Spain match
- 5BusinessDayNGPrivate
- 7VanguardNGPrivate
FIFA sanctions Spain over Islamophobic chants during Egypt friendly
Southeast Asia
- 4CNASGState-controlled
Spain punished by FIFA for Islamophobic chants in Egypt friendly