The French football team faces the Netherlands, in October 2023. © Andre Weening/Orange Pictures/Sh/SIPA
The French Football Federation still does not adapt its program according to Ramadan and is once again opposed to the establishment of a break to break the fast. Asked by The ParisianÉric Borghini, member of the executive committee of the FFF, confided that no reminder of the rules had been communicated to the officials, to thus avoid any “form of provocation”, while a lively controversy followed the announcement last year. “On the other hand, if feedback tells us that it’s starting again (match interruptions)we would see to give a booster shot, he warned. As a professional, I would be surprised if this happened…”
England, Germany and the Netherlands allow breaks
This decision is in line with the guidelines of “respect for the principles of secularism” from previous years. No denomination is an exception according to the federation. During the Ramadan period (from Monday March 11 to April 9), the France team will play two matches: against Germany on March 23 and against Chile three days later.
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France therefore refuses to follow the examples of England, Germany and the Netherlands, which authorize breaks allowing Muslim footballers to break their fast. “Players have plenty of time to hydrate during substitutions or the care their partners receive”, believes Éric Borghini. The FFF relies on article 1.1 of its statutes, since this promotes the prohibition of any speech or display of a political, ideological, religious or union nature.
