FIFA Fines Spain Over Islamophobic Chants

FIFA has imposed a $20,000 fine on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) due to Islamophobic chants by supporters during a March friendly against Egypt. The soccer's governing body also mandated that 15 percent of the seating at Spain's next home friendly match be closed off.

These sanctions were confirmed by FIFA's appeals body, addressing chants heard twice during the game, including the phrase "Whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim." The ruling emphasizes the necessity of strong penalties for such discriminatory behavior. Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, publicly denounced the fans' actions after the match, labeling them ignorant and racist.