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Spanish Football Federation Condemns Anti-Muslim Abuse in Egypt Match

BBC Sport Football •
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Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) condemned anti-Muslim chants heard during Spain's 0-0 draw with Egypt in Barcelona. Stadium screens and announcements urged fans to cease racist remarks, while whistles erupted from some supporters. The RFEF’s social media post stated, *"“The RFEF stands against racism in football and condemns any act of violence inside stadiums.”*

Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s coach, called the abuse *“in intolerable*” and vowed to *“identify and remove*” offenders. He criticized using football as a platform for hatred, emphasizing societal consequences. Spain’s team faced backlash after relocating the game from Qatar due to Middle East tensions, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal the sole continuity in a reshuffled squad. Egypt lacked injured Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.

The match’s relocation and on-field racism overshadowed Spain’s World Cup 2030 co-hosting role. The draw dropped Spain from the *“world rankings*”, amplifying pressure ahead of the tournament. RFEF’s response highlights ongoing struggles to police stadium behavior, as officials balance fan engagement with safety.

Racist incidents persist globally, with UEFA and FIFA intensifying anti-discrimination measures. Spain’s handling of the crisis tests its reputation as a 2030 host. For fans, the episode underscores the need for stricter penalties against xenophobic behavior.