Spain national team, Spanish Football Federation and FIFA
16 October 2026
FIFA has ordered Spain to play its next international friendly with 15% of stadium seating closed and imposed a $20,000 fine. The sanction follows discriminatory chants directed at Muslims during Spain’s March friendly against Egypt.
FIFA rejected the federation’s argument that the chants did not amount to discriminatory conduct. Seats behind the goals will primarily be affected, although approved community or anti-discrimination groups may be allowed into those areas.