As Muslims in England start fasting for Ramadan today, the FA Cup matches will briefly pause to allow players to break their fast.
During Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking from dusk till dawn, and special considerations are often made for athletes. Footballers observing the fast will be granted a brief break in play.
“Players observing Ramadan will be permitted a short pause in play to break their fast,” says the FA in its fifth-round fact sheet. “An approximate time will be agreed when the pause will take place, and it will not be used as a team drinks break or tactical time-out.”
The Premier League has been following a similar approach in recent years, allowing Muslim players to break their fast with water and dates during natural stoppages in play, such as free kicks, throw-ins, or goal kicks, and substitutions.
Ramadan runs this year in England from March 1 to March 30, with the FA Cup quarter-finals scheduled for the weekend of March 29 and 30.
Muslim players who could benefit from this include City duo Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khuzanov, Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, and Fulham’s Adama Traore.
Earlier this week, United’s Noussair Mazraoui shared his inspirational thoughts with Manchester United’s Muslim Supporters’ Club at Old Trafford.
During the meeting, the Moroccan defender answered fans’ questions and advised them to “never lose sight of your dreams.”
“Seeing your parents so proud is something that makes you more proud,” he said.“That is something that gives your heart a nice feeling.”
Manchester United’s supporters expressed their joy at meeting the “humble” Mazraoui. “It was unbelievable. He came across really well. It was really nice to meet him,” said the fan club’s co-founder and secretary, Asif Mahmud.
