FIFA Fines Spanish FA and Orders Partial Stand Closure Over Chants
FIFA penalizes the Spanish Football Federation with a $20,000 fine and partial stadium closure over discriminatory chants during a friendly against Egypt.
FIFA Sanctions Spanish FA
FIFA has announced disciplinary sanctions against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following discriminatory chants directed against Muslims during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt on March 31. The international governing body's Disciplinary Committee imposed a $20,000 fine alongside a partial closure of at least 15% of the stadium stands for the national team's next home friendly fixture.
The incident began around the 20th minute of the match at the Cornellà Stadium, when sections of the home supporters chanted discriminatory slogans. Following a thorough investigation, FIFA concluded that the federation bore full responsibility for the misconduct of its fans.
Proposed Alternatives and Appeal
Under the ruling, Spain must either leave at least 15% of available seating vacant behind the goals or utilize those areas for families, students, or anti-discrimination organizations. The RFEF immediately rejected the proportionality of the punishment, announcing plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
"In other previous cases, which were more severe or involved prior disciplinary backgrounds, similar automatic stadium closure penalties were not imposed," the Spanish federation stated, defending its swift internal security response during the match.
