UEFA Fines Real Madrid Over Discriminatory Fan Behaviour

UEFA has fined Real Madrid CF €15,000 and imposed a suspended partial stadium closure following discriminatory behaviour by supporters during a recent UEFA Champions League fixture.

The sanction was handed down by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) after incidents during Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory over SL Benfica on February 25 in the 2025–26 Champions League campaign.

According to UEFA, Real Madrid supporters were found responsible for racist and/or discriminatory conduct during the match, prompting disciplinary action under the governing body’s regulations aimed at combating discrimination in European football.

In addition to the €15,000 fine, the CEDB ordered the partial closure of Real Madrid’s stadium for the club’s next UEFA competition home match. The sanction targets 500 adjacent seats in the lower section of the south stand.

However, the stadium closure will be suspended for a probationary period of one year starting from the date of the decision. This means the measure will only be enforced if further disciplinary violations of a similar nature occur during that timeframe.

UEFA has continued to enforce strict penalties against discriminatory behaviour at matches as part of its broader efforts to combat racism and promote inclusivity across European football.

Real Madrid will therefore avoid immediate seating restrictions but remain under scrutiny for the next year, with the suspended sanction hanging over the club should further incidents arise during UEFA competitions.

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