Khaberni - The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) confirmed on Tuesday that it had opened a disciplinary proceeding against the Spanish Football Federation following racist chants that marred the friendly international match of its national team against Egypt last week in Barcelona.
The friendly match, which brought together two teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup and was held in Cornella at the Espanyol club stadium, was marred by anti-Islamic chants, echoed by a segment of the Spanish fans.
Last Wednesday, the Catalan police announced the opening of an investigation into "anti-Islamic and xenophobic chants" that were echoed on Tuesday evening during the friendly football match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona, Catalonia, northeast Spain.
The match, which took place in the Cornella stadium, the stronghold of Espanyol Barcelona, witnessed racist chants from a group of Spanish fans including: "Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim!"
During the break, a message was displayed on the giant screens reminding that the law "prohibits and punishes active participation in violent, xenophobic, homophobic, or racist acts".
The Catalan police stated on the "X" platform: "We are investigating the anti-Islamic and xenophobic chants that were issued on Tuesday at the RCD Espanyol stadium during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt," which ended in a goalless draw.
In turn, Minister of Justice Felix Bolanos condemned on "X", saying "The insults and racist chants make us feel ashamed as a society".
He added, "The far right will not leave any space free of its hatred, and those who remain silent today will be complicit," affirming that the leftist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez "continues to work for a tolerant country that respects everyone".
The Spanish Football Federation stated on Tuesday evening that it "condemns any violent act within stadiums" and that it "joins the message calling for football against racism".
Its president, Rafael Losan, considered that the chants were "isolated" and "should not be repeated".
