When Chants Cross the Line: FIFA Mulls Sanctions After Spain-Egypt Friendly Controversy

Background

Spain could face FIFA sanctions after anti-Islam chants from fans during the Egypt friendly. The match ended 0-0 as the teams prepared for the 2026 World Cup, played at Espanyol’s stadium.

Chants and Consequences

During the playing of the Egyptian national anthem, boos were audible, and around the 20th minute supporters directed anti-Islam chants toward the crowd, including the line "he who doesn't jump is Muslim." The Spanish press condemned the chants as shameful and disgraceful.

AS newspaper noted that although the game was a friendly, it won't shield the Spanish Football Federation from potential sanctions due to repeated racist chants during the match. The referee's report will be central to FIFA's decision, with clear evidence and chants potentially influencing the outcome.

Penalties could range from stadium closures to fines, similar to recent sanctions on the Israel Football Association for insufficient anti-racism measures. In 2025, El Salvador's team was fined 50,000 Swiss francs (~$62,715) for racist acts by fans in an international match.

Also read: Head of the Spanish federation on anti-Islam chants: "Acts by individuals."

All told, this incident underscores FIFA's ongoing push to curb discrimination on the terraces as the world keeps an eye on World Cup 2026 preparations.

Note: If chants counted as goals, some terraces would be top scorers; since they don’t, FIFA remains the referee of conduct, not the scoreboard.

Punchline 1: If chants counted as goals, some terraces would already be world champions—only FIFA decides the real scoreboard.

Punchline 2: In football, timing matters; these chants proved they were offside in both ethics and the anthem.