France bans Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan, sparking backlash

The French Football Federation (FFF) faces mounting criticism after prohibiting Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan while training with the national team. The decision has ignited accusations of discrimination and deepened divisions within the squad.

According to reports, players observing Ramadan, such as Ousmane Dembélé and Ibrahima Konaté, were informed they are not permitted to fast while at the Clairefontaine training camp. Instead, they are allowed to compensate for missed fasting days after international matches conclude.

“Hijab bans for women, and now there is a ban on fasting for players observing Ramadan. France continues to be champions of anti-Muslim behavior,” remarked Canadian sports journalist Shireen Ahmed on X (formerly Twitter).

The issue is particularly sensitive given the diverse backgrounds of many French national team players, a significant number of whom have African or North African heritage, including stars like N’Golo Kanté, Ferland Mendy, and Elias Guendouzi. Last year, youth midfielder Mahamadou Diawara left the under-19 squad in protest over the treatment of Muslim players. “They feel their religion and identity are not respected,” an agent told ESPN.

Despite the backlash, FFF president Philippe Diallo defended the decision, emphasizing that it aligns with the federation’s commitment to neutrality. “There is no stigmatization of anyone,” he told Le Figaro. “But when we are in the French team, we must respect the framework.” The FFF maintains a policy that prohibits political or religious expressions during matches, citing adherence to secularism principles.

This is not the first time the FFF has stirred controversy over Ramadan. Last year, referees were instructed not to pause matches at sunset to allow fasting players to break their fast—contrary to practices in leagues such as the Premier League and Bundesliga. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans even protested with a banner that read: “A date, a glass of water, the nightmare of the FFF.”

The FFF argued that interrupting matches for fasting players does not comply with its regulations. Eric Borghini, president of the Federal Referees Commission, defended the policy, stating: “There is a time for everything—a time to play sport and a time to practice one’s religion.” He emphasized the “scrupulous application” of the federation’s statutes regarding secularism in football.

The federation’s stance extends to other areas as well, including its hijab ban for female players, even after FIFA lifted its prohibition. Critics argue that such policies reflect a broader pattern of exclusion.

Calls for action are growing. The “Everything Is Futbol” podcast recently urged Muslim players to boycott the French national team, arguing: “You’ll see how quickly France changes its ways once they realize they can’t field a good national team without multiple dual-citizen French/African athletes.”

As France prepares for upcoming matches in the UEFA Nations League Championship, the controversy over its Ramadan policy raises questions about the balance between athletic performance, religious freedom, and the principles of secularism in sport.