From the humble beginnings of the Premier League, which started in 1992, there was only one footballer to represent the Muslim community. In 2013, it can be proudly said that there are 40 Muslim footballers that feature in the top division. With their religious values firmly in place, how is British football accommodating for these Muslim players?
With the internationalisation of football, there has been a much wider interest from the Muslim community. Talent scouts have now broadened their search for the next “David Beckham” by travelling to remote villages in West Africa, or the slums of Paris, in hopes of creating global superstars.
As for club managers, they have fully supported their player’s special eating requirements of Halal food, and made allowances during training so that they may pray.
With Ramadan around the corner, and each fast lasting around 18 hours, concerns about how Muslim players are going to perform at their highest level during a match are an issue.
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby, 27, says: “Arsenal would prefer me to not fast, but they understand this is a special moment for me and they try to accommodate things to make me better.”
Some players have decided to fast throughout training, but not during a match. Ramadan this year ends on 7 August, 10 days before the start of the Premier League season.
Former Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe, 33, insists: “You have some players who are fasting on a match day and doing very well, it’s no problem. I make sure that on match day I’m not fasting and not to give excuses to people.”
By Aneesa Malik
