France Bans Muslim Players from Fasting During Ramadan
The French Football Federation (FFF) is under fire after banning Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan while training with the national squad — sparking accusations of discrimination and dividing the team.
FFF reportedly told players observing Ramadan they can't fast at Clairefontaine training camp. They can only make up for missed fasting days after international fixtures end.
'Hijab bans for women, and now there is a ban on fasting for players observing Ramadan. France continues to be champions of anti-Muslim behaviour,' said Canadian sports journalist Shireen Ahmed on X.
Most Les Bleus players come from Africa and North African backgrounds, like Ousmane Dembele, N'Golo Kante, Elias Guendouzi, Ibrahima Konaté, and Ferland Mendy. Last year, youth midfielder Mahamadou Diawara quit the under-19 squad in protest, ESPN reported. Some 'They believe their religion is not respected and that they are not respected either,' an agent said.
FFF president Philippe Diallo defended the decision, telling Le Figaro: 'There is no stigmatization of anyone…But when we are in the French team, we must respect the framework.' He pointed to the federation's rule enforcing 'neutrality' and banning political or religious expressions during matches.
This isn't the first time the FFF has sparked controversy. Last year, referees were ordered not to pause matches at sunset so fasting players could break their fast, while leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga allowed it. PSG fans even held up a banner that read: 'A date, a glass of water, the nightmare of the FFF.'
According to the French body, matches interrupted due to breaking the fast in the evening 'do not comply with the provisions of the FFF statutes.'
'The idea is that there is a time for everything. A time to play sport, a time to practice one's religion,' Eric Borghini, president of the Federal Referees Commission, told AFP.
For this member of the FFF executive committee, it is simply a matter of 'the scrupulous application of the first article of the federation's statutes on the demanding respect of the principle of secularism in football'.
The FFF also enforces a hijab ban for female players, even after FIFA lifted its own.
Calls for action are growing. The 'Everything Is Futbol' podcast urged Muslim players to boycott the national team, posting: 'You'll see how quickly France changes its ways once they realize they can't field a good national team without multiple dual-citizen French/African athletes.' Tags: ramadan 2025ramadan france
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Badou Zaki Defends Hakimi's Ballon d'Or Case: ‘He Stands Above the Rest'
Rabat – As football's most prestigious individual award draws closer, the names of usual suspects begin to fill headlines — attacking giants, prolific scorers, flashy midfield maestros. But away from the spotlight reserved for goal tallies and commercial hype, a quieter yet compelling case unfolds. It is the story of Achraf Hakimi, Morocco's Atlas Lion and Paris Saint-Germain's tireless right-back, whose season demands more than polite applause. This story calls for serious Ballon d'Or consideration. To some, suggesting a defender, especially a right-back, for the Ballon d'Or might seem far-fetched. Yet, when stripped of biases and marketing noise, the award's criteria are clear: individual brilliance, collective achievement, and visible influence on the field. Hakimi checks every box. Former Moroccan goalkeeper Badou Zaki, a legend in his own right, sees no exaggeration in calling for Hakimi's inclusion. 'The Ballon d'Or must go to the player who outshines the rest,' Zaki said. 'We talk about team trophies, personal contributions, and the values a player brings to the game. Hakimi belongs in that conversation.' This season, PSG finally broke its Champions League curse. Hakimi played a central role in that success, not as a supporting figure but as one of the team's anchors. He lifted four trophies with the French club, including the elusive Champions League title, a feat many consider the ultimate test of greatness. But team silverware is only part of the picture. On an individual level, Hakimi offered performances that no fullback has matched in years. He scored four goals and provided five assists in the Champions League alone. These numbers would impress even an attacking midfielder. From his position at the back, they astonish. Hakimi also redefined what it means to play as a right-back. He darted up and down the flank, switched roles fluidly, and often dictated the rhythm of matches. It's no longer enough to say he's one of the best in his position. He now stands as a full-fledged footballer. Still, his name rarely surfaces in Ballon d'Or predictions. Instead, the conversation sometimes shifts to rising stars like Lamine Yamal. 'Frankly, I'm surprised,' Zaki said, 'when someone like Lamine Yamal is mentioned as a contender, even though he hasn't done half of what Hakimi achieved, and I say this with great respect for Yamal's talent and potential. But if we're being fair with the criteria, I don't see how he ranks above Hakimi.' 'To me, the real competition should be between Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. And there's an important detail, Dembélé is in the conversation because he scored eight goals in the Champions League, which is his job as a forward. Meanwhile, Hakimi scored four as a defender, whose primary role is not to find the net,' Zaki added. Recognition for African players has always been limited. Only one African, George Weah, has ever lifted the Ballon d'Or. That was nearly 30 years ago. If the football world takes its own rules seriously, Hakimi has done more than enough to change that. He didn't just have a good season; he led, delivered, and transformed expectations. Tags: Achraf HakimiAtlas LionsBadou ZakiHakimiMorocco football
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
France Secure Nations League Bronze as Mbappe Hits 50
Kylian Mbappe scored his 50th goal for France as Les Bleus sealed third place in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-0 win over Germany in Stuttgart. The French captain broke the deadlock just before half-time, latching onto a clever pass from Aurelien Tchouameni before calmly slotting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Germany pushed for a response after the break but were denied by both the woodwork and a series of VAR interventions. Karim Adeyemi thought he had won a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned with the forward booked for simulation. Moments later, Deniz Undav had an equaliser chalked off due to a foul by Niclas Fullkrug in the build-up. France rode their luck at times. Florian Wirtz struck the post and Mike Maignan made a string of saves, including three from Adeyemi. But the hosts were punished late on when Mbappe pounced on a loose ball, surged forward and squared for Michael Olise to tap home the second with six minutes remaining. Marcus Thuram also hit the post as France threatened a third, and Mbappe himself came close on multiple occasions. It was a strong response from Didier Deschamps' side after their dramatic semi-final loss to Spain, while Germany's winless run stretches to three matches. Julian Nagelsmann's side now look ahead to regrouping before the next round of World Cup qualifiers. Later today at 8 p.m., Spain and Portugal go head-to-head in Munich to decide the winner of this year's Nations League. Tags: FranceGermanyKylian MbappeUEFA Nations League
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Germany vs France: Where, When to Watch Nations League 3rd Place Battle
Rabat – Two giants, with big names, will feature on sports channels and live in the MHP Arena, where football stars from Germany and France will face off, racing for third place as part of the Nations League. The game will take place at 2 p.m. Moroccan time, and Fox Sports, ViX, and Fubo will feature the match. If you are in Mexico and you want to follow game updates, seek Sky Plus, Sky Sports Mexico, and if you are in Canada, DAZN Canada OTT will broadcast the game, while Amazon Prime Video will stream the match. Moroccans can turn to the beIN Sports network to find the game. Sports-focused website Goal expects France to dominate and win the match. 'France is currently ranked third in the latest world rankings, behind Spain and current leaders Argentina,' Goal reported, noting that Germany, however, is clinging to their top-ten ranking. The website recalled that Germany won their last two international games against France. 'However, they've won only one meeting in a competitive tournament since 1986,' Goal wrote, recalling France's firepower, including Ballon d'Or candidate Ousmane Dembele, and superstar Kylian Mbappe. Goal expects Germany's lineup to include Ter Stegen, Jonathan Tah, Robin Koch, Anton, Joshua Kimmich, Mittelstadt, Adeyemi, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz, and Woltmade. France's lineup is expected to include superstars like Hernandez, Konate, Lenglet, Manu Kone, Adriene Rabiot, Dembele, Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue, and Mbappe, as well as Gusto. Tonight's fixtures will also include a fierce final between Portugal and Spain, who will clash tonight for the title. Tags: Nations LeagueUEFA Nations League
