The France football federation has instructed referees not to pause matches or allow Muslim players break their fast during Ramadan, media reporters said on Friday 31st March 2023. Unlike the English Premier League which gives breaks that allows Muslim players break their Ramadan fast, this practice does not align with the French Football Federation’s policies. Many media houses reported the body in an email sent to referees on Thursday.
It was reported that it had been brought to the federation’s attention that matches were being interrupted by the breaking of the Ramadan fast.
“The idea is that there is a time for everything. A time to do sport, a time to practice our various religion”. The head of the federal referee commission at the Federation, Eric Borghini told AFP.
He also added that the federation had found out that. “a certain number of amateur-level meetings have been stopped to allow players observing the fast to hydrate”.
This is not permitted in the regulations. He said, mentioning that they observed and included the strict respect of the principle of secularism in football. English football has taken the opposite decision and would be permitting all matches of the Premier League to pause during the holy month of Ramadan. During this period Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. It is being observed this year from March 22 up until the end of April 2023.
When questioned about the issue. Niece coach Didier Digard said on Friday that several Muslim players in the team observed Ramadan without any hitches. Even though he said it would be good if France allowed the breaks. He added that “nobody cares that they don’t do it. Because we are not in a Muslim country. You have to accept the country you live in,” he said to the reporters.
