World Cup winners Spain punished with partial stadium ban after discriminatory chants vs Egypt

Spain have been ordered to partially close their stadium for their next international friendly after discriminatory chants were heard during March's match against Egypt.

FIFA has also fined the Spanish Football Association £15,000 following the incident at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium.

Why Spain must play next international match with partial stadium closure

The sanction follows chants targeting Muslims during Spain's 0-0 draw with Egypt on March 31st.

A group of home supporters were heard chanting around the 10th minute of the first half and again at the beginning of the second period.

An anti-discrimination warning was displayed on the stadium screens, prompting whistles from some sections of the crowd. FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Association over what it described as “Islamophobic and xenophobic” chants.

The RFEF condemned the behaviour, via the BBC, while Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente called the chants “intolerable”, adding that “violent people use football to carve out a space for themselves”.

However, in its written response to FIFA, the RFEF argued that the chants did not constitute discriminatory conduct.

FIFA's disciplinary committee rejected that position, noting that the association could not convincingly argue the chants were harmless while also activating anti-discrimination measures.

The 2026 World Cup winners must now close 15% of the stadium for their next friendly, with the affected areas primarily located in the stands behind the goals.

Subject to FIFA approval, the empty sections may instead accommodate community or special-interest groups, including families, students and anti-discrimination organisations.

The punishment could be served in June 2027, although Spain's participation in the Nations League finals would delay implementation until an available date during Euro 2028 qualifying in the autumn.

The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the incident as a “repugnant act of racism”, while stressing that the behaviour of a minority of supporters would not affect relations between the two federations.

FGG says: FIFA sanctioning Spain sends very clear message

The partial closure and fine send a clear message that discriminatory behaviour can have consequences for national associations, even when it involves a section of supporters rather than an entire crowd.

Allowing community groups into the affected sections could also turn the sanction into an opportunity to promote inclusion, provided FIFA approves the arrangement.

The focus now must be on ensuring the punishment is implemented properly, and that future international fixtures provide a safe, welcoming environment for all supporters.