Ramadan and Football
Every year millions of muslims around the world fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar when adult Muslims are required to fast. It is known as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts one lunar month, around 29 or 30 days, which means it comes around 11 days earlier each year and so starts on a different date each year.
What football rules apply to ramadan?
The FA rules make it clear that all faiths are observed and respected:
Fa rule b5 football & religious observance
a. A Participant cannot be compelled to play football on bona fide occasions where religious observance precludes such activity, save where the Participant:
(i) has consented to do so on such occasions; or
(ii) is registered as a player under written contract, which shall be taken as consent to play on such occasions unless otherwise provided for in the contract.
b. Annually, when planning programmes, Competitions shall define and notify agreed dates of bsuch occasions.
This year
Ramadan is predicted to start on 18 June and conclude on 17 July 2014 (depending on the sighting of the moon). Adult Muslims give up food and drink during daylight hours. Those who are sick, physically unable, travelling, pregnant or very young are excused.
During Ramadan Muslims will wake before dawn for a meal called ‘Suhur’. When daylight is over, most Muslims will traditionally break the fast with dates or water, followed by a meal, this is called ‘Iftar’, which means ‘the breaking of the fast’ and is traditionally an occasion family and friends get together.
"I think it’s amazing how Ramadan can make you really strong." PFA Management Committee member Kolo Toure.
Ramadan and youth football
There is no set age when Muslims start fasting, it is generally post-puberty but can vary from between 8 and 16 years old. This will effect Muslim participation in youth football during Ramadan, especially in the older age groups. As this is the case best practice for leagues would be to ask any predominantly Muslim teams about their plans to fast and play.
Fasting
Fasting combined with extra prayers and a lack of sleep can leave people feeling a little more tired and dehydrated than normal. Many Muslims will find it harder to play football and may not want to take part.
Muslims who are fasting do not expect you to stop eating or drinking, although it would be polite not to eat, drink or smoke in front of them. They may also enjoy sitting together and sharing food when they break their fast (Iftar) and will welcome non-Muslims to join in. To fast with Muslim friends, even for part of the day, is a good way of enhancing your understanding.
PRAYING
Muslims may practice their faith more during Ramadan and may wish to offer prayers during the day. This will normally be two to three times a day for a few minutes a time for which they will require a small private area. Muslims may also attend extra prayers, known as ‘Tarawih’, during the night.
What happens when Ramadan ends?
The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid for which Muslims may take time off. The day Eid falls on will depend on the sighting of the moon therefore flexibility is necessary. The appropriate way to express best wishes to a Muslim at Eid is to say “Eid Mubarak”.
To download The FA's Ramadan and Football Factsheet click here.