Spain take FIFA sanctions over Islamophobic chants to CAS

Federation challenges fine and stadium closure

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) will take its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA rejected its appeal against sanctions imposed over Islamophobic chants by supporters during a March friendly against Egypt.

FIFA fined the federation $20,000 (£15,000) and ordered it to close at least 15% of the available seats for Spain’s next home friendly. The incident took place at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona during a match that ended 0-0. Some supporters chanted: “If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim.”

The RFEF argued that the word “Muslim” was neither insulting nor pejorative, and said the conduct should be considered under FIFA rules covering political, ideological, religious or offensive messages rather than the provision on discrimination and racist abuse.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected that argument. It said discriminatory abuse does not require an explicit slur and that a term may become discriminatory through its use as “an insult, taunt or marker of inferiority”.