FIFA Opens Investigation Against Spain Over Anti-Muslim Chants in Egypt Friendly
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Tuesday opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following racist chants during 'La Roja's' friendly match against Egypt.
FIFA will launch an investigation to verify the authenticity of the chants, which were described as offensive to Muslims. This comes after some fans were heard chanting, “Whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim,” a behavior deemed to carry derogatory connotations towards the Islamic faith.
The chants were not limited to this incident; a section of the crowd also directed other chants at Brazilian player Vinicius Junior, saying, “Vinicius is a beach ball,” according to reports from the Spanish newspaper Marca.
Prior to the match, some spectators booed during the playing of the Egyptian national anthem, and insults directed at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez were also heard from a small group of fans.
During halftime, a message was displayed on the stadium's large screen, reminding attendees that “legislation on preventing violence in sports prohibits and penalizes active participation in acts of violence, racism, or hatred.” Additionally, loudspeakers urged those present to refrain from chanting racist and disrespectful slogans.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation had previously expressed its dismay in an official statement regarding the racist chants during the match. Barcelona star Lamine Yamal also broke his silence, condemning these actions against Muslims.
