FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) following reports of Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during a friendly match between Spain and Egypt last month.
In a statement, FIFA said it had initiated the process in response to incidents that occurred during the match, which was played at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
During the game, a message was displayed on stadium screens warning supporters against xenophobic remarks and offensive chanting. The warning was repeated early in the second half, prompting whistles from sections of the crowd.
The RFEF condemned the anti-Muslim chants, distancing itself from the behavior and reiterating its opposition to all forms of discrimination.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also denounced the incidents, describing them as “intolerable” and warning that “violent people use football to carve out a space for themselves.”
Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into the chants, with police seeking to identify those responsible for the behavior.
The Egyptian Football Association strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as an unacceptable and “repugnant act of racism.”
However, the Egyptian federation stressed that the actions of a small group of fans would not affect the broader relationship between the Spanish and Egyptian football bodies.
The case has raised fresh concerns about racism and discrimination in European football, particularly during international fixtures.
FIFA has not yet detailed the possible sanctions that could be imposed on the Spanish federation, with the disciplinary process now underway.
The outcome of the proceedings could have implications for Spain, which is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The match itself ended in a goalless draw, a result that saw Spain lose their position at the top of the FIFA world rankings.
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts by football authorities to clamp down on discriminatory behavior in stadiums.
FIFA has repeatedly emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward racism and xenophobia, with disciplinary measures often including fines, partial stadium closures, or other sanctions.
Further developments are expected as investigations by both FIFA and Spanish authorities continue.
