The Spanish FA have been fined by FIFA after supporters shouted Islamophobic chants during Spain’s friendly match against Egypt.
Spain have been fined £15,000 for the chants and will have to play their next international friendly with a partial stadium closure.
The incident occurred in the 10th minute of the first half, when a group of Spanish fans chanted: “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim.”
After the chants recurred, the scoreboard displayed an anti-discrimination message, and the stadium announcer issued a warning.
Spanish police launched an investigation, and FIFA confirmed they were taking disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF).
RFEF argued the word “Muslim” was “neither insulting nor pejorative”.
They added that fans should be assessed under FIFA’s Article 17, which covers political, ideological, religious or offensive messages.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected the claims, referring to Article 15, which deals with discrimination and racist abuse.
As part of the punishment, FIFA will close at least 15 per cent of Spain’s available seats for their next friendly.