FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish football federation because of anti-Muslim chants made by Spanish fans during a friendly game against Egypt in Barcelona last month. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Spanish police are reportedly investigating the behavior by fans during the game, and the Catalonia police force has opened its own probe, which is being handled by the Prosecutor's Office for Hate Crimes and Discrimination.
At the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, Spain supporters were heard chanting 'who doesn't jump is a Muslim' during the World Cup warm-up game. Announcements over the stadium's PA system and on the screens reminded attendees that such behavior is prohibited, but the chanting continued. Spain star Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.
who doesn't jump is a Muslim
The Spanish government, including Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has condemned the chants. Albares conveyed the condemnation to his Egyptian counterpart, who emphasized that Spain is 'a tolerant and pluralistic country' and reiterated his rejection of racism. Spanish football has reportedly been affected by similar incidents in recent years, with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior having faced racist insults multiple times.
the chants were disrespectful and intolerable
Spain is 'a tolerant and pluralistic country'