FIFA, the international soccer governing body, is trying to deal with a persistent and ugly issue as it nears the home stretch of finalizing preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

It fears the racist chants from crowds in certain European nations will be heard at venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico after the World Cup opens on June 11.

An international friendly in Barcelona on March 31 between Spain and Egypt that ended in a 0-0 draw drew headlines because of the behavior of the Spanish supporters.

According to Reuters and other media, they chanted in Spanish, “If you don’t jump, you’re a Muslim,” toward supporters of Egypt, a mostly Muslim nation.

A message shown on a big screen during halftime urged the Spanish fans to stop the offensive chanting but to no avail.

FIFA opened an investigation into the case on April 7 and held the Spanish Football Association responsible.

A FIFA representative told The Asahi Shimbun that it started disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish FA.

Lamine Yamal, who plays for the Spanish national team, joined the criticism against the chanting fans.

The 18-year-old forward of the top-tier Barcelona club who is Muslim said in an Instagram post that mocking other people’s religion is ignorant and discriminatory.

Discriminatory shouts and chants in soccer matches around the world are nothing new.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) took disciplinary action against two clubs in March.

Tottenham Hotspur of England was fined 30,000 euros ($35,000) and given other penalties after a match against Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany on Jan. 28.

Real Madrid of Spain was similarly fined 15,000 euros and received other punitive measures following a match against Benfica of Portugal on Feb. 25.

UEFA has yet to publicize the reason behind the disciplinary action. But according to U.S. sports broadcasting network ESPN, supporters of the two clubs allegedly made Nazi-style salutes.