Spain’s FM condemns offensive anti-Islam chants made by Spanish fans at football game

CAIRO – 5 April 2026: Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno condemned the deviant behavior and offensive actions of a group of fans during the friendly match between the Egyptian and Spanish national teams on March 31, stressing that these actions are reprehensible, unacceptable, and cannot be tolerated, and that they do not in any way reflect the distinguished ties that bind the two friendly countries. 

During a phone call with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty on Sunday, the Spanish Minsiter noted that the Spanish government will take the necessary legal measures against those who committed these reprehensible actions.

At a friendly match between the national teams of the two countries, some Spanish fans made anti-Islam chants during the game.

Also, the call addressed the deteriorating regional situation. Minister Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. He stressed the importance of prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue to prevent the region from sliding into widespread chaos.

The two ministers discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The Foreign Minister commended the Spanish government’s principled support for the Palestinian cause at this critical stage. He emphasized the need to focus on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and to complete the second phase of the US President's plan, including enabling the Gaza Administration Committee to operate from within the Strip, deploying an international stabilization force, reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions, and ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid. 

He also condemned escalating settler violence, ongoing annexation and settlement expansion in violation of international law, and the Knesset’s approval of a law authorizing the execution of prisoners.

The call also covered developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty briefed his Spanish counterpart on his March 26 visit to Beirut and stressed the need to halt Israeli escalation. He reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty or targeting of civilian infrastructure, and underscored the importance of empowering state institutions, fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and supporting Lebanon’s efforts to assert authority over its entire territory.