FIFA said it opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish football federation on Tuesday because of anti-Muslim chants made by Spanish fans during a game against Egypt last month.
The chants drew condemnation from Spain star Lamine Yamal, the Spanish government and the Spanish football federation itself.
Spanish police had said they were investigating the behaviour by fans during last Tuesday’s friendly game held in Barcelona.
At the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, Spain supporters were heard chanting "who doesn't jump is a Muslim" during the World Cup warm-up game which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Announcements over the stadium's PA system and on the screens reminded attendees that such behaviour is prohibited, but the chanting continued.
"FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings today against the Spanish FA for the incidents in the friendly against Egypt," football's governing body said in a statement.
Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants made by some of the fans at RCDE Stadium were disrespectful and intolerable. The Barcelona star said it didn’t matter that he was not targeted.
Alongside the FIFA investigation, the Catalonia police force (Mossos d'Esquadra) has opened its own probe, which is being handled by the Prosecutor's Office for Hate Crimes and Discrimination.
On Sunday, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares conveyed to his Egyptian counterpart the Spanish government's condemnation of the racist chants heard during the match.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasised that Spain is "a tolerant and pluralistic country" and reiterated his rejection of racism.
