France bans Iftar breaks for Muslim players during matches in Ramadan

The French Football Federation (FFF) has directed clubs, referees' committees, and match organisers they will not pause a match for Muslim players to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

The directions were issued by the FFF via email last year and that will be followed this year too.

Chairman FFF, Eric Borghini, said that no directives in this regard were issued this year.

“On the other hand, if we learn that it’s happening again [the breaks], we’ll do a reminder. As a pro, I’d be surprised if that happened,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands, England, and Germany allow their Muslim players to take a break between matches to observe their religious obligation.

The French Football Federation relies on Article 1.1 of its statutes, which prohibits the expression of religious affiliation during matches.

However, the restriction was not opposed by the French leagues' Muslim players, including Achraf Hakimi, Amine Harit, Azzedine Ounahi.