London: Chelsea, the English Premier League club, has announced that it will organize a fasting reception (iftar) at its home ground, Stamford Bridge, in the first week of Ramadan. The club announced this through their website and official social media pages. The club said in a statement that the Open Iftar will be held on Sunday, March 26 and will be an opportunity for Muslims observing the Ramadan fast to gather and break their fast.
Open Iftar is part of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which lasts from March 22 to April 21, with fasting from pre-dawn to sunset. It is also the UK’s largest social gathering during Ramadan. It provides a safe space for those fasting Ramadan to come together, break their fast, talk and interact with each other…’ – Chelsea In the newsletter says
Chelsea Iftar is being prepared in collaboration with the charity organization Ramadan Tent Project. Mosques near the club headquarters, the club’s Muslim staff, fans and students will be invited to fast. Iftar will be served on the sides of the Stampede Bridge ground.
Ramadan is included in Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation’s ‘No To Hate’ campaign against all forms of discrimination. Simone Taylor, head of the Chelsea Foundation, said: “We are very proud to be organizing the Iftar in partnership with the Ramadan Tent and it is the first time in the Premier League that a club has been part of such an initiative. “Regarding Ramadan and the Muslim community is a critical part of our efforts to promote religious harmony. All are welcome to the event on March 26.’ Taylor said.
Chelsea, who are currently 10th in the English Premier League, have Muslim players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and Hakeem Ziyech.
