FIFA sanctions Spain over Islamophobic chants during Egypt friendly

By Adegboyega Adeleye
Spain have been fined $20,000 and ordered to close at least 15 per cent of their stadium for their next friendly after supporters directed Islamophobic chants at Muslims during a match against Egypt earlier this year.
FIFA announced the sanctions on Friday over incidents during the teams’ 0-0 draw at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium on March 31. Some Spain fans were heard chanting, “Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim,” twice during the World Cup warm-up match.
After the second chant, a stadium announcer warned supporters and an anti-discrimination message was displayed on the scoreboard.
Spain’s football federation, the RFEF, condemned the chants at the time; coach Luis de...