The Spain racism controversy has intensified ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League encounter with England after Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente insisted that racism does not exist in his country, despite previous incidents of discriminatory chanting at football matches.
De la Fuente made the declaration during a news conference on Saturday while responding to comments from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who said he would remind his players about anti-racism procedures before the highly anticipated meeting in Madrid.
The fixture will be the first time Spain have hosted England in the Spanish capital since 2004, when English players were subjected to racist abuse from sections of the home crowd.
Although the two national teams have met three times elsewhere in Spain since that encounter without similar incidents, the issue has returned to the spotlight following another controversy involving Spanish supporters.
Tuchel had stressed that he did not expect trouble at the Metropolitano Stadium, but explained that the history of previous incidents made it reasonable to remind his players about the relevant procedures.
De la Fuente insists racism does not exist in Spain
The England manager’s comments prompted a strong response from De la Fuente, who rejected the suggestion that Spain should be regarded as a country struggling with racism.
“Maybe we take our five minutes to inform the players about the protocol if there is a precedent,” Tuchel had said earlier in the week.
Asked about the remarks, De la Fuente delivered an emphatic defence of Spain.
“What I’d tell you, and you can tell Thomas [Tuchel], is that in Spain, there’s no racism,” he said.
“Just like that, crystal clear. Just like in England. There’s no racism in Spain. We aren’t racist, any of us.”
The coach’s response came despite recent disciplinary action against the Spanish football federation over discriminatory chanting during an international friendly.
His categorical statement has therefore placed renewed attention on the difference between defending a country’s wider population and acknowledging incidents of racism within football.
FIFA sanctions Spanish federation after discriminatory chanting
The Spanish football federation was fined €15,000 by FIFA and ordered to partially close its stadium following Islamophobic chanting during a friendly against Egypt on March 31.
Some supporters reportedly sang, “anyone who doesn’t jump is a Muslim”, prompting widespread criticism of the behaviour.
The incident attracted particular attention because Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal condemned the chanting, describing it as ignorant and racist.
The controversy demonstrated that discriminatory behaviour remains a concern for Spanish football authorities, even as the national team continues to enjoy considerable success internationally.
The federation’s punishment also made De la Fuente’s assertion that racism does not exist in Spain particularly contentious.
The issue is not limited to the latest incident. England players were targeted by racist abuse during the countries’ previous meeting in Madrid in 2004, an episode that has remained part of the history surrounding encounters between the national teams.
Sunday’s match will therefore carry significance beyond the result, with the behaviour of supporters and the response of officials likely to attract attention.
Yamal declared fit for England encounter
Away from the controversy, De la Fuente provided encouraging news about Yamal’s availability for the match.
The Barcelona winger missed Spain’s 2-0 victory over Czechia on Thursday because of a knee problem, but the coach confirmed that he was now in perfect condition to feature.
Yamal finished third in the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or ranking last month and is regarded as one of the most important attacking players in the Spanish squad.
His return would provide Spain with additional creativity, pace and attacking threat against an England side expected to offer a demanding test.
However, De la Fuente stopped short of confirming whether the youngster would start.
“We’ll see if he starts,” he said.
“But if he starts, it’s because he’s in perfect condition to play. You can say ‘he’ll play 60 minutes’ but it depends how the game goes.”
The Spanish coach explained that Yamal had benefited from remaining with his club rather than making the difficult trips associated with Spain’s previous fixture in Prague.
“He’s in perfect condition, he’s been with his club, it’s been good for him, he’s avoided two tough trips [to Prague], the cold, and he’s rested. He’s available to play without any problems,” De la Fuente added.
His availability gives Spain another important option as they attempt to maintain their impressive record in the competition.
Spain aim to maintain perfect Nations League record
Spain enter Sunday’s encounter at the top of Group C after winning all five of their matches.
Their campaign has included a convincing 3-1 victory over England at Wembley, giving the Spanish side an opportunity to reinforce their position with another positive result in Madrid.
The defending strength and attacking quality of De la Fuente’s squad have made them one of the most formidable teams in the competition.
The coach described the meeting with England as one of the most attractive fixtures in international football.
“Right now, England-Spain is at the top of world football,” he said.
“We’re in the best moment for these two teams in a long time.”
His assessment reflects the quality available to both national teams and the growing importance of their rivalry.
England will be seeking a response to their defeat at Wembley, while Spain will be determined to continue their winning run and strengthen their position in the group.
Racism issue adds pressure ahead of major fixture
The Spain racism controversy has created an additional talking point ahead of a match that would ordinarily be dominated by tactical discussions and the quality of the players involved.
Tuchel has indicated that England will prepare their squad by reminding players of the established anti-racism procedures.
His comments were framed as a precaution rather than an expectation that supporters would behave improperly.
De la Fuente, meanwhile, has chosen to defend Spain against what he considers an unfair generalisation.
Nevertheless, the FIFA sanction and previous incidents involving England players underline why the issue remains relevant.
Football authorities have repeatedly faced calls to ensure that discriminatory behaviour is properly addressed, rather than dismissed or minimised.
The challenge for organisers and the teams will be to ensure that any inappropriate conduct is dealt with through the established procedures.
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For Spain, the immediate priority remains securing another important Nations League result. For England, the objective is to produce a stronger performance after losing the first meeting between the sides.
With Yamal available and both teams boasting considerable attacking quality, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a major test.
However, the conduct of supporters will also be closely watched, ensuring that the debate surrounding racism remains an important part of the build-up to the fixture.
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