Ramadan Fasting Sparks Debate in Professional Soccer Clubs

Coaches are forced to make certain decisions - sometimes difficult - during Ramadan. This is the case of Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré. He for example excluded Jaouen Hadjam, one of his players, who refused not to fast on Sunday, match day against Reims. "I am a coach, I set rules. During the week, no problem if they fast for training, I’m even there to help and support them. The rule is that on match day, you can’t fast," Kombouaré explained after the defeat against the Champenois (3-0).

This decision could also be explained by the possible effects of fasting on the players’ performance. "There are several effects on performance," details a former physical trainer, who has worked for major clubs, with Le Parisien. "In the morning, it’s sprint performance that is affected. At the end of the day, it’s more cognitive function, decision making. On the other hand, the total distance covered in the match is not impacted. The perceived fatigue level is also higher. There are not necessarily more harmful effects. Due to meal times, sleep is necessarily altered, in duration as well as quality."

Between fasting and playing, and not fasting on match day, Muslim players choose the first option, as they are attached to their faith. In addition, Ramadan does not negatively impact their performance. Some even achieve great performances during the holy month. "Some players will be less good if we prevent them from doing it. They need that to be successful," continues the former physical trainer.