The punishment Spain could face over the “If you don’t jump, you’re Muslim” chant

The scoreless draw between Spain and Egypt at RCDE Stadium on Tuesday night was overshadowed by repeated racist chants from sections of the crowd: “If you don’t jump, you’re Muslim.” The official report submitted by Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov will be crucial in determining any potential sanctions from FIFA. 

The response of the Spanish Football Federation, including its efforts to halt the chants, along with public statements from federation president Rafael Louzán stressing that football must reflect coexistence and respect, could also weigh into the final decision. Remarks from head coach Luis de la Fuente may also be considered.

The main concern for the Royal Spanish Football Federation is that the incident was not isolated. The chants were repeated on several occasions, prompting stadium officials to display a warning on the scoreboard that read: “Legislation on the prevention of violence in sport prohibits and punishes active participation in violent, xenophobic, homophobic or racist acts.” Announcements were also made over the public address system urging fans to refrain from xenophobic and disrespectful behavior.

Under FIFA’s current Disciplinary Code, the initial sanction could include a partial stadium closure for Spain’s next home match, as well as a financial penalty. The regulations state that “disciplinary measures may be imposed on the member association or club responsible, even if the association or club concerned can prove the absence of fault or negligence.”

It further specifies that “if one or more supporters of a national team or club offend the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or a group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or derogatory words or actions based on race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion or any other status, wealth, place of birth or any other reason,” sanctions will apply.

Regarding possible punishment, FIFA regulations explain that “for a first offense, a match played with a limited number of spectators and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs (approximately €21,600) will be imposed, unless this would lead to disproportionate financial consequences for the member association or club, in which case the fine may exceptionally be reduced to a minimum of 1,000 Swiss francs.” 

The Disciplinary Code also adds that “in cases of repeat offenses or particularly serious incidents, or if circumstances require it,” sanctions may escalate to include “the implementation of a prevention plan, fines, points deductions, one or more matches played behind closed doors, a ban from playing in a specific stadium, forfeiture of matches, exclusion from a competition or relegation.”

Measures that could reduce a future sanction

FIFA’s Disciplinary Code also allows for a potential reduction in sanctions if the Spanish federation “commits to working, together with FIFA, on a comprehensive plan to ensure action is taken in cases of discrimination and to prevent repeat offenses.”

This plan must be approved by FIFA and include at least three key areas:

a) Educational initiatives, including a communication campaign aimed at fans and the general public, with regular evaluations of its effectiveness

b) Stadium security and dialogue measures, including protocols to identify offenders and apply football related sanctions, procedures to refer cases to judicial authorities when necessary, and engagement with fans and influencers to drive change

c) Partnerships, involving collaboration with supporters, NGOs, experts and stakeholders to support and advise on the action plan and ensure its effective and ongoing implementation

There is growing concern that this incident could influence FIFA’s decision on final host venues for the 2030 World Cup, particularly the stadium chosen to stage the final. In addition, Egypt’s national anthem was booed, an act that is also punishable under FIFA regulations.