French Soccer Federation Faces Scrutiny Over Ramadan Fasting Policy

The head of the FFF had taken the floor to try to dispel the doubts. "No one at the Federation, starting with me, has forbidden anyone to fast," he had firmly stated. A direct response to the accusations, in particular those made by a coach who had pointed the finger at a "stigmatization" of the Muslim religion.

The heart of the debate? A new rule enacted by the FFF in 2024. While the stated objective was to "frame" the practice of fasting, many had detected a desire to ban, more or less explicitly, Ramadan for selected players. Philippe Diallo had taken refuge behind the sacrosanct principle of neutrality. "The Federation has set a framework, like at school," he had explained, arguing that no organizational change could be tolerated for religious reasons.

The president of the FFF emphasizes respect for individual beliefs, while stressing the need for a "framework to be respected" when wearing the blue jersey. He had recalled, in passing, that a decision of the Council of State, seized by collectives, had validated the federal approach.

So, formal prohibition or simple framing? The FFF has often given the impression of playing on words, like many other sports federations in France.