FIFA Fines Spain $20,000 and Orders Partial Stadium Closure Over Anti-Muslim Chants in Egypt Friendly

FIFA has come down hard on Spain over anti-Muslim chanting by supporters at a national-team friendly seven months ago. The world governing body announced on Friday that the Royal Spanish Football Federation has been fined $20,000 and that Spain's next home friendly must be played partially behind closed doors, with FIFA confirming the verdict had been upheld by its appeals body after an initial ruling by three disciplinary judges.

Under the sanction, 15 percent of the seats at Spain's next home friendly must either be left empty or filled by special interest groups such as families, students and anti-discrimination organisations. FIFA said in its ruling that "harsh sanctions were necessary" after fans were heard twice chanting "Whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim" during the 0-0 draw with Egypt at Barcelona's RCDE Stadium on March 31, in the 10th and 47th minutes of the game.

The incident drew condemnation at the time from Spanish star Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, after the match. "Using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you look ignorant and racist," the winger wrote on social media in April. Spain currently sit top of the FIFA rankings conversation after a stellar year on the pitch, but the sanction is a reminder that football's fight against discrimination in the stands remains unresolved.