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Africans Born Abroad

Spain concerned over Nico Williams injury ahead of 2026 world cup

Nico Williams reveals how Argentina defender unknowingly helped Spain win World Cup

19 hours ago
'He lacks morals': Matthäus launches scathing attack on Vinicius Junior

‘He lacks morals’: Matthäus launches scathing attack on Vinicius Junior

23 hours ago
Following Yamal's footsteps: Barcelona wonderkid Tounkara approaches historic milestone

Following Yamal’s footsteps: Barcelona wonderkid Tounkara approaches historic milestone

24 hours ago
Three journalists' voting decisions cost Mbappe the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Three journalists’ voting decisions cost Mbappe the 2026 Ballon d’Or

1 days ago
Why Lamine Yamal is unlikely to suffer the same fate as Vinicius after Ballon d'Or setback

Why Lamine Yamal is unlikely to suffer the same fate as Vinicius after Ballon d’Or setback

1 days ago
Mbappe and Yamal battle for La Liga award after missing out on Ballon d'Or

Mbappe and Yamal battle for La Liga award after missing out on Ballon d’Or

2 days ago
Lamine Yamal's father sparks concern with cryptic message to Barcelona fans

Lamine Yamal’s father sparks concern with cryptic message to Barcelona fans

3 days ago
Three journalists' voting decisions cost Mbappe the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Mbappe-China row deepens as American official rejects calls for apology

3 days ago

Lopez dedicates young talent Ballon d’Or to late Nigerian mother

3 days ago
Thierry Henry explains joke that sparked criticism over Lamine Yamal

Thierry Henry explains joke that sparked criticism over Lamine Yamal

4 days ago
Thierry Henry faces criticism over Lamine Yamal question at Ballon d'Or ceremony

Thierry Henry faces criticism over Lamine Yamal question at Ballon d’Or ceremony

5 days ago
Mbappe-China controversy sends shockwaves through sportswear market

Mbappe-China controversy sends shockwaves through sportswear market

5 days ago
Lamine Yamal sends defiant message after missing out on 2026 Ballon d'Or

Lamine Yamal sends defiant message after missing out on 2026 Ballon d’Or

5 days ago

David Otorbi faces uncertain spell after Valencia injury

7 days ago
Soccer players contesting the ball on a green field; a green kit player leaps as a white kit opponent slides in.

Quansah plays down Real Madrid and Arsenal links

10 days ago
Salah surpasses Mbappe in the race for Europe's top stars, while Yamal remains supreme.

Salah surpasses Mbappe in the race for Europe’s top stars, while Yamal reigns supreme.

10 days ago
Mbappe backs Vinicius Junior and sends confident message ahead of El Clasico

Mbappe backs Vinicius Junior and sends confident message ahead of El Clasico

10 days ago
Vinicius Junior struggles at Real Madrid as reports reveal possible mental block

Vinicius Junior struggles at Real Madrid as reports reveal possible mental block

10 days ago
Désiré Doué’s two-footed finishing gives PSG an edge over Lamine Yamal

Désiré Doué’s two-footed finishing gives PSG an edge over Lamine Yamal

11 days ago

Ghanaian-born teenager McAidoo makes his mark in City’s win

11 days ago
Lamine Yamal poses PSG defensive dilemma ahead of Barcelona clash

Lamine Yamal poses PSG defensive dilemma ahead of Barcelona clash

12 days ago

Jeremie Frimpong suffers fresh injury setback at Liverpool

13 days ago
Mbappe beats PSG stars to claim 2026 Onze d'Or award

Mbappe beats PSG stars to claim 2026 Onze d’Or award

13 days ago
Mbappe reaches 256 goals as Benzema's French scoring record comes into view

Mbappe reaches 256 goals as Benzema’s French scoring record comes into view

13 days ago
Egypt face competition from Australia for Brighton talent Younes Ibrahim

Egypt face competition from Australia for Brighton talent Younes Ibrahim

13 days ago
Yann Diomande puts pressure on Vinicius after starring in Real Madrid win

Yann Diomande puts pressure on Vinicius after starring in Real Madrid win

13 days ago
FIFA have fined the Spanish Football Federation $20,000 and ordered the partial closure of a section of the stands at Spain's next home friendly after anti-Muslim chants were heard during the national team's match against Egypt in March. The punishment follows an investigation into incidents at the friendly played at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat on 31 March 2026, when supporters repeatedly chanted "If you don't jump, you are a Muslim". According to Reuters, FIFA's disciplinary process found the Spanish federation responsible for the Islamophobic chanting. The ruling has also drawn attention to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who publicly condemned the abuse after the match and stressed that using religion to mock people was unacceptable. The Spanish federation has rejected the sanction and plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that the punishment is excessive. Anti-Muslim chants prompt stadium warning The incident occurred during Spain's friendly against Egypt on 31 March, when sections of the crowd repeatedly sang a chant that targeted Muslims. The stadium announcer responded by issuing an audio warning over the public-address system. Officials also displayed a message on the stadium's big screen condemning racist behaviour. The match was further marred by boos and shouts from sections of the crowd during the Egyptian national anthem. The incidents prompted criticism, with the chants becoming a particular concern because of their reference to religious identity. FIFA subsequently investigated the matter before deciding to sanction the Spanish federation. Lamine Yamal condemns Islamophobic abuse Yamal, who represents Spain internationally and is a practising Muslim, spoke out against the chanting after the match. In a public message that attracted widespread attention, the Barcelona forward made clear that he considered the behaviour unacceptable, even though the chants were not directed at him personally. "I am a Muslim, thank God. In the stadium, I heard chants saying that whoever doesn't jump is a Muslim. I know that they were not directed at me but at the opposing team's players, but that is unacceptable because I am a Muslim. Using religion to mock in football stands only reflects that you are ignorant and racist, and it is something that cannot be tolerated." The teenager's response brought further attention to the incident and the use of religious references as a form of abuse at football matches. Yamal also expressed his frustration over the treatment of the Egyptian delegation, particularly the jeering heard during the country's national anthem. "Football is played for enjoyment, not to insult others because of their beliefs and identities." His comments reinforced his position that football should not provide a platform for discrimination based on religion or identity. FIFA impose fine and partial stadium closure Following several months of investigations, FIFA imposed a $20,000 fine on the Spanish Football Federation and ordered the closure of 15% of the stands at Spain's next home friendly. The ruling was upheld by FIFA's internal disciplinary appeals committee, according to reports cited by The Washington Post. The appeals committee maintained the original decision of the disciplinary body, which considered a substantial sanction necessary in response to the incident. The measures represent a financial penalty for the federation as well as a restriction on spectator access at a future home match. Spanish federation plans to appeal The Spanish Football Federation has rejected FIFA's decision and intends to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which deals with disputes involving sport. Spanish officials argue that the word "Muslim" is not inherently an insult or a term of denigration. They have also maintained that they assured FIFA that similar incidents would not be allowed to recur. The federation considers the punishment too severe, particularly in view of what it says has been the treatment of comparable incidents in the past. The appeal means the dispute over FIFA's disciplinary action is set to continue, even as the case highlights the wider issue of discriminatory chanting in international football. The controversy surrounding the Spain-Egypt friendly has placed the conduct of supporters, the responsibilities of football authorities and the treatment of religious identity in stadiums under renewed scrutiny.

Lamine Yamal speaks out as FIFA sanction Spain over Anti-muslim chanting

15 days ago
Why Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal Never Misses Real Betis Matches

Why Barcelona star Lamine Yamal never Misses Real Betis matches

15 days ago
Nicholas Jackson

Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson chases Mané’s Champions League goalscoring milestone

15 days ago
Manzambi

Johan Manzambi puts African heritage in spotlight with impressive Aston Villa start

15 days ago
Chelsea prepare €80m move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams

Nico Williams’ Barcelona move collapsed over La Liga financial rules

16 days ago
Arsenal star Eze could perform Ronaldo's famous 'Siu' after gaming loss

Arsenal star Eze could perform Ronaldo’s famous ‘Siu’ after gaming loss

16 days ago
Real Madrid take Vinicius Junior suspension appeal to Spain's sports court

Real Madrid take Vinicius Junior suspension appeal to Spain’s sports court

16 days ago
Cisse becomes youngest Italian to score European hat-trick in Milan victory

Cisse becomes youngest Italian to score European hat-trick in Milan victory

16 days ago
Mohammed Muntari joins Al Sadd on two-year deal after leaving Al Gharafa

Mohammed Muntari joins Al Sadd on two-year deal after leaving Al Gharafa

17 days ago
Mendy could return against Al-Fayha after Al-Nassr postponement

Mendy could return against Al-Fayha after Al-Nassr postponement

17 days ago
Dembele mocks critics with holiday joke after PSG beat Manchester City

Dembele mocks critics with holiday joke after PSG beat Manchester City

17 days ago
Vinicius calls for protection of players as he criticises Spanish referees

Vinicius calls for protection of players as he criticises Spanish referees

17 days ago
Mbappe-score

Mbappe third as Lewandowski tops Champions League scoring list

17 days ago

Morocco defender Adam Masina retires at 32 and joins Italian Club Progresso’s coaching staff

18 days ago