The debate about Muslim players in Europe fasting during matches and training arises every Ramadan, with coaches' reactions divided between those who understand the significance of the month and those who are frustrated, believing that fasting players won’t perform at their best.
**Mourinho and Montari**
After just 28 minutes in a match between Inter Milan and Bari in Serie A, then-coach José Mourinho substituted Ghanaian player Sulley Muntari. Mourinho explained his decision later, stating: “Muntari had some issues related to Ramadan; perhaps fasting during the match is not beneficial for him. Ramadan does not come at an ideal time for professional football players.” His comments sparked considerable anger among Muslims in Italy, but he later blamed the media for the situation, stating in the press conference of the following match: “What is happening now is your fault. I know exactly what I said; I mentioned that I cannot criticize Muntari's actions because it is a matter of faith, meaning I accept it. I never said Muntari should forget his beliefs.”
**Klopp: There Are More Important Things Than Football**
Ramadan coincided with Liverpool's Champions League finals in recent years against Real Madrid and Tottenham, during which Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Senegalese Sadio Mané were fasting. Klopp stated before the match against Real Madrid: “Religion is a personal matter as I understand it, so I have nothing to say about that. However, everything is fine; you can see them in training; they look full of vitality and energy.” He affirmed his understanding of Salah and Mané fasting before the Tottenham match, stating: “They give their best regardless of whether they are fasting or not; there are more important things in life than football.”
**Rodgers Praises Fofana**
Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City's manager, praised his player Wesley Fofana twice during Ramadan last year and this year. Last year he said: "Fofana becomes stronger in training and matches during Ramadan; fasting increases his determination during this period." He reiterated his praise after the Foxes drew with Manchester United: “He didn’t eat or drink anything all day and delivered that performance; it was truly incredible.”
**2014 World Cup**
Some matches in the World Cup 2014 in Brazil took place during Ramadan, including the Germany vs. Algeria match in the Round of 16. German player Mesut Özil admitted that he wouldn’t be able to fast during the tournament, saying: “I am working, and I will continue my work, so I won’t fast this Ramadan during the World Cup.” Meanwhile, Algerian team captain Madjid Bougherra mentioned: “The hardest part is dealing with thirst, but it’s okay; the weather is good, and some players can postpone their fasting. As for me, I will decide based on my physical condition, but I think I will fast.” French team coach Didier Deschamps explained that he “didn't request anything” from his Muslim players, saying: “These are sensitive and delicate matters, and I have nothing to ask of them. I respect all religions, and the players are used to fasting and playing; this isn’t a new situation, and I’m not worried because everyone will adapt.”
**Hakimi: It’s Tough, But…**
Achraf Hakimi spoke in Milan about participating in matches during the day while fasting in Ramadan, stating in an interview with the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica”: “It’s tougher, I don’t deny that, but it’s a fundamental part of my culture and the religion I believe in, and that’s what matters to me. The important thing is to rest well to recharge your energy.”
**English Premier League Decisions**
The English Premier League established rules to accommodate Muslim players fasting during matches. According to the BBC, there is an agreement with team captains to allow their teammates to take a short break during goal kicks or throw-ins for fasting players to break their fast. The network confirmed that team captains would be permitted to request a brief break during matches, allowing Muslim players to break their fast with the referees' agreement before the match starts.
