Spain is banned by FIFA and UEFA from playing against a European national team

Despite being the Euro 2024 champions and 2010 World Cup winners, Spain is still included among the teams not allowed to face Gibraltar under FIFA and UEFA rules.

For over a decade, Spain has been one of the strongest teams in Europe, known for their ball possession style and producing outstanding players like Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, and Lamine Yamal. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the team continues to show impressive form and is preparing for the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup..

However, since Gibraltar joined UEFA in 2013, the two teams have never met in any official or friendly match. UEFA has confirmed that matches between Spain and Gibraltar are on the restricted list, similar to Ukraine vs. Belarus or Kosovo vs. Serbia. This rule is intended to maintain stability and avoid sensitive situations during international competitions.

Gibraltar is a small territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, near the Spanish border. Since joining FIFA and UEFA, their team has mainly played in groups with teams of similar level and has never been drawn with Spain.

The issue gained more attention after Spain’s victory at Euro 2024. During the celebration, players Rodri and Alvaro Morata were recorded chanting a slogan related to Gibraltar. UEFA subsequently imposed a one-match ban for violating conduct rules, emphasizing that football should remain separate from non-sporting matters.

The Gibraltar Football Association also issued a statement expressing their viewpoint on the incident and reaffirmed their desire to maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship within UEFA and FIFA frameworks.

Currently, Spain is focusing on preparing for two World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria. Although they cannot face Gibraltar, this does not significantly impact their competition plans.

Experts consider the Spain-Gibraltar case a rare example in European football, illustrating the efforts of governing bodies to ensure all international tournaments are conducted with sportsmanship, fairness, and mutual respect.

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