Although he already Ramadan is about to end, France continues to give something to talk about. And, for some time now, there has been much speculation about how secularism in France would affect Muslim athletes who want to play in that country, and even more so those who play in the ranks of their national team. However, in the face of criticism, the president of the French football federationPhilippe Diallo, denied all accusations that they are prohibiting Ramadan or Islam for their footballers.
“No one in the Federation, starting with me, prohibits fasting,” Diallo told France Info. “I cannot accept that people say that the FFF discriminates based on religion.”
The constitution of that country establishes that “France is indivisible, secular, democratic and a social Republic. It ensures the equality of its citizens under the law, without distinction by origin, race and religion.” Despite this, France is widely criticized for not adhering to certain regulations that seek to facilitate the practice of Ramadan for followers of the Islam religion.
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And, due to the principle of religious neutrality that exists in the constitution, the French Football Federation does not make things easy for its players who wish not to drink and eat between sunrise and sunset during this sacred month.
Before training camps in March, the Federation made it clear that it will not change meal and training times to accommodate players who want to follow the religious ritual.
What did the president of the French Football Federation say?
Diallo noted, ensuring the country’s neutrality, that they cannot change the schedule and common practices of training camps for religious reasons. But, he also expressed that he “respects everyone’s convictions.”
“When players are chosen for the French team, I don’t ask them about their religion,” added the FFF leader.
The secular view in France prevents referees from authorizing pauses during matches for Muslim players to break their fast during night games. These types of breaks have already been authorized in countries such as England, Germany and Holland.
But French secularism, which although affirms religious freedom, reinforces that the state does not favor any religion and remains neutral. The country’s Federation says part of its mission is to adhere to the country’s strict secularism in public life.
Although Catholicism remains the main religion, Islam is number two in France with 10% of the population.
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