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Rabat – Muslim players on France’s national football team have been called on to postpone fasting for a few days until the end of France’s matches taking place during the holy month, French sports outlet L’Equipe reported.
“The French staff will not force anyone not to follow their faith, but Les Bleus’ staff has still given recommendations in the hope that the players will choose to postpone fasting for five days during the team’s Ramadan matches,” L’Equipe indicated.
During the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday in France, Muslims are required to abstain from food and drinks from dusk till dawn.
Circumstances that permit Muslims to not fast during Ramadan include illness and traveling long distances. In addition, elderly or chronically ill individuals are encouraged to not fast.
However, if Muslims choose to not fast during the holy month without a valid reason, they are expected to make up missed days by fasting for two consecutive lunar months for each missed day. If one is unable to fast two consecutive months, they are required to feed 60 people in need for each fasting day intentionally violated.
Considering this, Muslims expressed their dissatisfaction with the French team’s “recommendations,” with many taking to social media to criticize the move.
“Ramadan does not work like that, shame on the FFF [France Football Federation],” said a Twitter user.
“Meanwhile in the Premier League we allow Muslim players to break their fasting during matches,” another social media user tweeted, pointing out the difference between France and England’s approach in this regard.
Football officials across English football competitions, the Premier League and the EFL, have been asked to pause matches during Ramadan to allow Muslim players to break their fast.
Read also: How Does Ramadan Help People Give Up Bad Habits?
During a press conference on Wednesday, French player Marcus Thuram was asked about his opinion regarding the English football leagues’ decision.
Thuram commended the English football leagues for being mindful of players’ religious practices, saying: “It’s a step forward … it’s just the beginning,” the L’Equipe reported.
For him, the players’ beliefs and thoughts on the matter should be taken into consideration.
Les Bleus played against the Netherlands on Friday as part of the 2024 Euro Championships qualifiers, with France coming away from a game that was billed as a clash between two top-tier national teams with a thumping 4-0 win.
The French team will also lock horns with Ireland on Monday, March 27 as part of the qualification round of the continental tournament.
