Ramadan in football: France vs England on fasting breaks

In France, uncertainty persists. As no new directive has been issued for this year, the French Football Federation (FFF) is still relying on its 2024 regulations. President Philippe Diallo defends a strict “framework” prohibiting any organizational changes on religious grounds, a position upheld by the Conseil d’État in response to accusations of stigmatization.

On Bladi.net : Premier League Ramadan breaks: how English football supports Muslim players

This inflexibility is viewed by many observers as a disguised ban on fasting while wearing the blue jersey. The FFF justifies its refusal to adapt national-team gatherings by citing strict adherence to the principle of neutrality, declining to compromise on this framework imposed on national teams.

Managing fasting in the Premier League: the Anglo-Saxon inclusion model

Across the Channel, the Premier League and the EFL confirmed yesterday that their support system would be renewed. British referees are officially authorized to briefly suspend matches during a natural stoppage in play (throw-in, clearance) coinciding with sunset.

On Bladi.net : Ramadan: the FFF refuses breaks for fasting, in the name of neutrality

Introduced in 2021, this coordinated pause before kickoff allows players to hydrate quickly. This pragmatic approach benefits many leading players in the league, including Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui and Mohamed Salah, and is accompanied by broad logistical adaptations within clubs, including changes to training schedules and the provision of specific meals.