Spain heads to the World Cup with its international image severely damaged by a series of scandals involving racism, sexism, and xenophobia. The most recent incident involves anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match against Egypt, adding to a growing list of controversies that have overshadowed the nation's footballing achievements.
Recent Incidents
First came the racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior. Then, the unwanted kiss by Spain's top soccer official, Luis Rubiales, after the Women's World Cup final. Now, Spain is grappling with the fallout of anti-Muslim chants during a March 31 friendly against Egypt in Barcelona.
These events have raised serious questions about whether meaningful cultural change is happening in Spanish football. Esteban Ibarra, head of the Movement Against Intolerance, Racism and Xenophobia in Madrid, noted that while these acts are concerning, they are perpetrated by a minority. "It's not a very good image for Spain right now, but we can't mistake these acts by minority groups, usually the ultra groups, with the actions of the majority of fans in Spain," he said.
Government and Federation Response
Spain is one of the co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, making it a priority to clean up its image abroad. The Spanish government and local soccer officials have been working hard to dismiss the notion that Spain is a racist country. They have called recent incidents isolated cases caused by a minority of radical fans.
Spain's Higher Council for Sports stated, "The first thing we must bear in mind is that these acts, which we condemn in the strongest possible terms, have been perpetrated by a group of people who in no way represent the vast majority of Spanish soccer fans." The council added, "The chants were deplorable and cannot be repeated. We are confident that the Spanish men and women attending the World Cup this summer will support our team with passion and always with respect."
Anti-Muslim Chants and Lamine Yamal's Response
Spain was drawn into a World Cup group that includes Saudi Arabia, an overwhelmingly Muslim country. During the friendly against Egypt, another predominantly Muslim nation, a group of Spanish fans sang anti-Muslim chants and jeered Egypt's national anthem. The Egyptian Football Association called these actions "entirely unacceptable in football stadiums" and a negative phenomenon that must be addressed.
Spain star forward Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim, condemned the chants the next day. "I understand that not all fans are like that, but to those who chant these things: Using a religion as a taunt on the field makes you look ignorant and racist," the 18-year-old said. "Football is for enjoying and cheering, not for disrespecting people for who they are or what they believe."
Spanish police opened an investigation into the behavior of the fans, and FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish soccer federation.
Vinícius Júnior and Action Against Racism
Spain faced widespread criticism for its lack of action against racism after Vinícius Júnior was racially abused in a Spanish league game in Valencia in 2023. Vinícius, who is Black, said at the time that the Spanish league "now belongs to racists" and Spain "is seen as a racist country." He has since nuanced his description of Spain but continues to speak out against racism.
"I'm not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well," Vinícius said after praising Yamal for his condemnation of the anti-Muslim chants. "But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won't have to go through this again."
The number of racial abuse cases against Vinícius decreased as authorities took more significant action. The first conviction for racism-related cases in professional soccer in Spain came after Vinícius's repeated complaints, and fans were punished in other cases. A recent Supreme Court ruling set a precedent for more severe sentences in cases of intolerance in sports.
Sexism Scandal and Internal Changes
Shortly after the abuse against Vinícius, the Spanish soccer federation faced another scandal involving then-president Luis Rubiales, who resigned and was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso after Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Critics said the scandal highlighted a culture of sexism in Spanish soccer.
The federation says the incident prompted internal change, noting that 50% of its board of directors is now composed of women, who also hold several top managerial positions.
World Cup Preparations and Fan Behavior
During the World Cup, the federation does not expect problems involving Spanish fans, as it can monitor mass ticket purchases to prevent radical fan groups from attending matches. Ibarra stated, "In theory, during the World Cup there isn't really the risk that these types of cases will happen. Especially now that Spain is on alert because of the international repercussion of the recent incidents, and more severe measures are expected against these Spanish ultra groups."
The Spanish government said it has been working for years "in a coordinated and effective manner with government agencies, state security forces, federations, clubs and fans to prevent a few hooligans from tarnishing our sport." It also noted having "one of the most advanced systems in Europe" to combat intolerance, with an anti-violence commission coordinating actions by authorities and prosecutors.
The men's team heads to the World Cup as the defending European champion, having also won the Nations League in 2023 and finishing as runner-up last year.
