“Respect people’s religion” – Reactions as France bans fasting on Muslim players

• The French Football Federation (FFF) has issued new rules causing global mixed reactions following their decision to allow players to fast for Ramadan while on duty in France.

• Ramadan, a fundamental Islamic pillar, is currently in its 12th day, with Muslims being obligated by Allah to fast for 30 days.

• FFF president Philippe Diallo defended the organization’s founding statutes, stating they ensure a “principle of neutrality” to prevent religious interference with athletes.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has received varied reactions throughout the world following the implementation of new rules governing Ramadan fasting for players on France duty.

Ramadan, one of the pillars of Islam, is presently ongoing, and the Almighty has made it obligatory for Muslims to fast for 30 days. Today, March 22nd, is Ramadan Day 12.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro on Wednesday, FFF president Philippe Diallo stated that the organization’s basic rules include a “principle of neutrality” and that the procedures “ensure that religion does not interfere with an athlete.”

According to the new FFF rules, players called up by French national teams are not permitted to fast during the month of Ramadan, and must instead adhere to the customary rhythm of the teams’ organization and activities.

Players who observe Ramadan, which began on March 10-11 and is slated to end around April 10, will be unable to fast while at the country’s Clairefontaine training facility and will be required to make up any fasting days missed at the end of the holy festival.

However, as of today, midfielder Diawara has left the French national squad due to a fasting ban on Muslim players.

Midfielder Mahamadou Diawara left the French Under-19 squad because he disagreed with the French Football Federation’s (FFF) new regulations, which ban Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan while working with the national team.

According to ESPN, Diawara was dissatisfied with the restrictions, which are imposed from the U16 level up to the senior team, causing his decision to leave and return to his club, Lyon.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has formally confirmed Mahamadou Diawara’s return to his club, naming Nantes’ Dehmaine Tabibou Assoumani as his replacement in the squad.

However, the recent move by the French Football Federation has aroused outrage among netizens and football fans.

While some criticized France, claiming that the new regulation was wrong and rude, others rallied in support of France.

Reacting to the post…

@prankhottiee: You can’t be fasting and be playing ball. Choose one.

@lawson__emmanuella: Mugu,,,, over how on earth do you think you can be observing fasting & still keep up with training .. resign nah who you help..

@neemah_law: May Allah replace it for him with the best club/team Aameen🙏🏽.

@chefsimbiat: He felt his religion was more important to him than the team and he made his choice, but why enforce such laws though?

@officialofoegbupromise: Most likely the Football Association doesn’t want any incidents happening in the eventuality that a play slumps due to hunger while playing, but then it’s good the player took his stand and went the extra mile for his faith. God bless him.

@stuff_nwokeoma: Totally Wrong and Disrespectful….Respect people’s religion.

@mkolomi_mk: This comment section is very toxic I really hate it when Christians act like they understand Islam or want us to do our religion like they are doing theirs. It’s really annoying and disgusting Do yours and let’s do ours’.

@charliebogoss: Quitting because of an Arabic religion my people have lost it.

@alfat_sarki: Going through comments section seeing people saying rubbish like you can’t play football while fasting? You don’t know nothing and still commenting with full chest. Go and check athletes like Mo Salah, Mane, Mahrez and co fast while playing. Nigerians will never comprehend but always judge with their emotion most especially if it’s towards Muslims or Islam. Learn.

@_peaceful_baddie: Religion will finish some people in Africa.

@nadinefischer12: This una fasting sef to me una dey chop breakfast only lunch una no chop. There isn’t no big deal there . We are fasting ,we are fasting abeg make una rest.

@oladiposa: We are proud of him. May God reward him.

@fullahin_queen: Mashallah proud of him may Allah almighty replace it for him with the best club or team that will benefit him beyond one imagination ameena ya rabbi