Summary:
- French Football Federation bans Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan at national team training camps
- Decision sparks controversy and accusations of discrimination, dividing the team and causing player protests
- FFF president defends the ban, citing rules of neutrality and prohibiting religious expressions during matches
- Calls grow for Muslim players to boycott the national team in response to the controversial policy
The French Football Federation (FFF) has implemented a controversial ban on Muslim players fasting during Ramadan while training with the national squad, sparking accusations of discrimination and causing division within the team.
Players observing Ramadan have been instructed by the FFF that they cannot fast at the Clairefontaine training camp. Instead, they are only permitted to make up for missed fasting days after international fixtures conclude.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Canadian sports journalist Shireen Ahmed condemned the move on social media platform X, stating, “Hijab bans for women, and now there is a ban on fasting for players observing Ramadan. France continues to be champions of anti-Muslim behaviour.”
The ban significantly impacts Les Bleus, as many players come from African and North African backgrounds, including Ousmane Dembele, N’Golo Kante, Elias Guendouzi, Ibrahima Konaté, and Ferland Mendy. Last year, youth midfielder Mahamadou Diawara quit the under-19 squad in protest of similar restrictions.
FFF president Philippe Diallo defended the federation’s stance in an interview with Le Figaro, saying, “There is no stigmatization of anyone…But when we are in the French team, we must respect the framework.” Diallo cited the federation’s rule enforcing “neutrality” and prohibiting political or religious expressions during matches.
This is not the first time the FFF has faced controversy over its handling of religious practices in football. Last year, referees were instructed not to pause matches at sunset to allow fasting players to break their fast, contrary to accommodations made by other leagues such as the Premier League and Bundesliga.
The FFF’s position has led to public displays of dissent, including a banner displayed by PSG fans reading, “A date, a glass of water, the nightmare of the FFF.”
Eric Borghini, president of the Federal Referees Commission, explained the FFF’s stance, stating, “The idea is that there is a time for everything. A time to play sport, a time to practice one’s religion.” He emphasized that this approach is in line with the federation’s commitment to secularism in football.
The controversy extends beyond Ramadan fasting, as the FFF also maintains a hijab ban for female players, despite FIFA lifting its own prohibition.
As tensions mount, calls for action are growing. Some, including the “Everything Is Futbol” podcast, have urged Muslim players to boycott the national team, suggesting that such a move could force the FFF to reconsider its policies.
The situation continues to evolve, with the ban raising questions about religious freedom, cultural sensitivity, and the balance between secular principles and personal beliefs in French football.
