FIFA open disciplinary case against Spanish FA over chants during Egypt friendly

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish football federation over discriminatory chanting heard during the international friendly against Egypt last week.

Last Tuesday’s goalless draw at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona was marred by Islamophobic chants from the crowd.

The stadium announcer warned supporters to stop at half-time, while a message was displayed on the big screen.

The Spanish federation (RFEF) condemned the chanting and Catalan regional police said they were investigating, while Spain star Lamine Yamal later branded it “intolerable”.

A statement from FIFA said: “FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings today against the Spanish FA for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt.”

Barcelona winger Yamal wrote on Instagram last week: “I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is a Muslim’ was heard.

“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.

“I understand not all fans are like this, but to those who sing these things, using a religion as a mockery on the field makes you ignorant and racist people.

“Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in.”

The RFEF said after the match: “The RFEF joins the message of our football against racism and condemns any act of violence in the stadiums.”