Pep Guardiola’s strategy for managing his Muslim players’ fasting sets example for French

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that Muslim Manchester City players will have Ramadan incorporated into the team’s schedule. The remarks come as the Premier League allows for temporary pauses in play so Muslim players can open their fast. These adaptations are a far cry from the attitude in French football. As Morocco World News reports:

The French Football Federation (FFF) is under fire after banning Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan while training with the national squad — sparking accusations of discrimination and dividing the team.

Guardiola and Ramadan

Among the team’s players are Egyptian Omar Marmoush, Algerian Rayan Aït-Nouri, French Rayan Cherki, and Uzbek Abdulkadir Khusanov, who are permitted to stop for fluids and food during matches.

In an interview with the BBC, manager Pep Guardiola said:

The players adhere to their religious traditions. We have specialized nutritionists to tailor programs to the team’s needs, and we cannot change match times, but they have been accustomed to this for years; it’s not a new situation for them.

The club has a long history with prominent Muslim players; German midfielder Ilkay Gündoğan led the team to a historic treble in 2013, with Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez also in the squad. Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré scored the winning goal in the 2011 FA Cup final against Stoke City, ending the club’s 35-year wait for a major trophy. Touré declined the champagne bottle out of respect for his beliefs, prompting the league to later present him with a commemorative trophy instead.

The “Superdry 0.0%” logo on the team’s training kit, printed by Japanese sponsor Asahi, also reflects the club’s commitment to religious compatibility with its products.

Religious Awareness and Support

The “Muslim Chaplains in Sport” team has been working with the club since the 2016-17 season, from the youth teams up to the first team. The organization’s founder, Imam Ismail Bhamaj, says:

We visit clubs, lead prayers, and sit down to discuss specific topics. We are available to players and staff to offer guidance on personal and family matters, while maintaining complete confidentiality.

Imam Bahamaj added, regarding the role of Ramadan workshops:

Some players ask about how to deal with conflicts in the world, such as the war in Gaza, and how to control their emotions and avoid letting social media posts affect their careers.

Beyond the competition, clubs organize public Ramadan events. Manchester United hosted a communal iftar at Old Trafford, attended by fans, and the call to prayer was broadcast inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Manchester City organises religious guidance and awareness workshops on halal food during Ramadan to promote a balance between religious observance and sporting competition.

Featured image via the Canary