FIFA today demanded an explanation from the Spanish football federation for the abuse aimed at England’s black players by Spanish fans.

World football's governing body acted after the Football Association lodged a complaint that England’s black players had endured racist chants on the pitch for a second consecutive night.

Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were subjected to monkey noises and insults by Spanish fans every time they touched the ball during England’s 1-0 defeat in a friendly match Madrid. The previous night, racist insults were hurled during the Under-21 match in Alcala de Henares.

Tony Blair today condemned the abuse, and Foreign Office minister Denis McShane today rang his opposite number in Spain demanding a "forthright apology" from Spanish football leaders.

He said: "I said I hope there would be the most forthright apology from those responsible for football in Spain. My opposite number told me that any racism in football was unacceptable."

Under Fifa's disciplinary code Spain could now be forced to play their next World Cup qualifier against San Marino on February 9 behind closed doors.

Fifa said in a statement: "Fifa will be investigating the circumstances of the two friendly matches between Spain and England.

"We will demand explanations from the Spanish football association so we can examine the incidents and clarify whether the statutes, regulations and code of ethics of Fifa have been violated.

"Fifa are concerned about the latest surge of racism in football and harshly condemn these incidents."

Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, expressed his horror at the recent incidents. He said: "There is no room whatsoever for racism or discrimination in our sport.

"On the contrary, football is a tool for building bridges and nurturing tolerance. The world is already too full of conflict which has its roots in racism and discrimination. Football has a positive influence that can and must be used to eradicate this scourge."

Earlier, Downing Street waded into the row, saying that Tony Blair condemned the abuse . A spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister like everyone in the country was very disappointed with what happened last night in Spain.

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