RAMADAN & FOOTBALL FACTSHEET 2019 - The FA
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RAMADAN & FOOTBALL FACTSHEET 2019
EVERY YEAR, DURING THE HOLY MONTH OF
RAMADAN, MUSLIMS AROUND THE WORLD
FAST DURING THIS HOLY MONTH
THIS FACTSHEET HOPES TO EXPLAIN WHAT RAMADAN AND FASTING MEAN
TO FOOTBALL AND THE MANY MUSLIMS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE GAME
WHAT IS RAMADAN? WHAT FOOTBALL RULES APPLY TO RAMADAN?
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of The FA rules make it clear that all faiths are observed
fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the and respected:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) according to Islamic
belief. Fasting during the holy month is one of the five pillars of FA RULE B5 FOOTBALL & RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Islam, which also include prayer and charity. Ramadan lasts for a. A Participant cannot be compelled to play football on bona
one lunar month which is a maximum of 29 or 30 days and its fide occasions where religious observance precludes such “Football crosses so many
start and ending dates are determined by the sighting of the activity, save where the Participant:
boundaries – cultural, social and
moon. This means it comes around 11 days earlier each year (i) has consented to do so on such occasions; or
and so starts on a different date each year. (ii) is registered as a player under written contract, which economic. I’m a Syrian refugee who
shall be taken as consent to play on such occasions fled to the UK in 2015. Football
Ramadan is the most important and spiritual time of year for unless otherwise provided for in the contract.
has helped England feel like home,
Muslims, people will change their routine, activities and work
life balance for this period. Whilst fasting is a large practical part b. Annually, when planning programmes, Competitions shall whether playing with my mates
of it, people’s mindsets and the way they treat other people may define and notify agreed dates of such occasions. or following the Three Lions. Last
vary significantly due to their focus on their faith at this most holy
year, I cheered on England against
of times. WHEN WILL RAMADAN BEGIN AND END THIS YEAR?
Ramadan is expected to begin this year on 5 May and end on 4 Nigeria during Ramadan. It was an
During daylight hours adult Muslims and those who have June (both dates depending on the sight of the moon). exciting event to celebrate during
reached puberty are required to abstain from eating, drinking
the Holy Month, especially since
and smoking. The obligation of fasting does not apply to those RAMADAN AND YOUTH FOOTBALL
who are physically and mentally unwell, travelling or pregnant. There is no set age when Muslims start fasting, it is generally England won!”
If any individual has not been able to observe a specific days fast, post-puberty which can vary from between 8 and 16 years old.
they may need to make up for this later on by either fasting for a This will affect Muslim participation in youth football during
day after Ramadan or giving a meal to someone more needy or Ramadan, especially in the older age groups. As this is the case Ahmad Al-Rashid
donating the value of that meal to charity. best practice for leagues would be to ask any predominantly International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Muslim teams about their plans to fast and play. The UN Migration Agency
FASTING PRAYING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GUIDANCE AROUND FIXTURES
Fasting combined with extra prayers and Muslims may practice their faith more RAMADAN ENDS? It is always important to take note of
a lack of sleep can leave people feeling during Ramadan and may wish to offer The end of Ramadan is marked by the any important religious dates when
a little more tired and dehydrated than prayers during the day. This will normally festival of Eid for which Muslims may take planning fixtures. Ideally, if a team has
normal. Many Muslims will find it harder be two to three times a day (during working time off. The day Eid falls on will depend a significant number of Muslim players
to play football and may not want to hours) for a few minutes a time for which on the sighting of the moon therefore it is best practice to try and avoid
take part. they will require a small private area. flexibility is necessary. The appropriate arranging fixtures during Ramadan.
Muslims may also attend extra prayers, way to express best wishes to a Muslim
Muslims who are fasting do not expect known as ‘Tarawih’, during the night. at Eid is to say “Eid Mubarak”. Annually The FA produces a calendar
you to stop eating or drinking, although it of religious dates in order to support the
would be polite not to eat, drink or smoke ACKNOWLEDGING THOSE SUGGESTED TWEET OR game, this guidance has been written
in front of them. They may also enjoy OBSERVING RAMADAN WEBSITE MESSAGE AT THE to provide you with the most significant
sitting together and sharing food As with any religion, showing your BEGINNING OF RAMADAN dates for religious observance together
when they break their fast (Iftar) and Muslim friends that you know it is with some information on them. Click
will welcome non-Muslims to join in. Ramadan is likely to be appreciated. “Ramadan Mubarak to all here to see the current calendar.
To fast with Muslim friends, even for part Posting an acknowledgement on your our Muslim Brothers and Sisters.
of the day, is a good way of enhancing website, Instagram or Twitter or simply a Best wishes to you for this the
your understanding. notice in your clubhouse is a good idea. holy month of Ramadan. ”
“Faith and football are two essential “Throughout my career I have always
parts of who I am. The flexibility that tried to embrace football culture
I’ve been shown in this regard has without compromising my beliefs.
been vital in my journey in football. Faith can be equally balanced
Taking note of Ramadan and all other alongside a career in the game. Whilst
faith events will help make football misconceptions still remain, there has
a game for everyone” been significant progress recently with
an influx of Muslim footballers plying
Robina Shah MBE their trade in the Premier League.”
High Sheriff of Manchester
Manchester FA IAB Chair & Board Director Zesh Rehman
FA Disability Committee & Womens Board Former QPR, Bradford and Fulham player
Pro License Holder
Pakistani International
First British Muslim to play in the
Premier League
Many thanks for contributions and support from Sporting Equals, Paul Grover Photos,
www.mcst.org.uk www.thepfa.com Muslim Chaplains in Sport, The PFA and The FA Faith and Football Network www.kickitout.org www.the-amf.com
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