FIFA Upholds $20,000 Fine and Partial Stadium Closure for Spain Over Anti-Muslim Chants

FIFA has upheld a $20,000 fine and ordered the partial closure of Spain’s stadium for its next home friendly after discriminatory chants were reported during the side’s 0-0 match against Egypt in Barcelona. The chants were heard in the 10th and 47th minutes of the March 31 match. Spain winger Lamine Yamal condemned the behaviour as racist, ignorant and disrespectful. FIFA said the sanction was necessary to deter discrimination, although it noted that Spanish football authorities condemned the incident, cooperated with officials and sought to identify those responsible. At least 15 percent of the stadium capacity, mainly behind the goals, must be closed or assigned to community, family, student and anti-discrimination groups. Spain’s football federation plans to challenge the severity of the punishment at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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