(left to right) Rayan Ait-Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki
Muslims around the world are currently observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, including players in the Premier League.
Saturday’s game between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road might be paused in the first half to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast.
With the match kicking off at 17:30 GMT and the sun setting in West Yorkshire at 17:41, a stoppage in play may see the likes of Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki or Abdukodir Khusanov come to the side of the pitch to take on food and fluids.
Sources say a firm decision on a short break is likely to be made on Saturday morning, while it is understood Leeds would happily accommodate any such request from City.
Asked by BBC Sport if the club have to alter their schedules to help its Muslim players, manager Pep Guardiola said: “They follow this religious tradition. We have good nutritionists and they adapt to what the team needs.
“We cannot adapt the schedule for the Premier League [kick-off] times and I think they are used to it – they are not young and have been playing [for] many years during this period.
“For the players I think it is not new. Both Rayans, Omar and Khusa, it is not the first time for [observing] Ramadan and they know perfectly how to handle it.”
This season, the quartet have all started together once in each of the cup competitions but are yet to feature from kick-off in the Premier League.
Chaplaincy for players and staff
City have a memorable history with a number of Muslim players.
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan captained the side to the Treble in 2023, while Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez was also part of that squad and won the PFA player of the year award with Leicester City in 2016.
Ivorian Yaya Toure scored the winning goal in the 2011 FA Cup final against Stoke City to end the club’s 35-year wait for a major trophy – a year later he refused a bottle of champagne for man of the match on live television, stating his Islamic beliefs, with the Premier League subsequently changing the prize to a trophy.
Though City’s training kit is sponsored by Japanese beer company Asahi, its Super Dry 0.0% brand is printed on it, meaning Muslim players are advertising a non-alcoholic product.
It is subjects like these that City players and staff are being educated about by the Muslim Chaplains in Sport (MCS) organisation, which has been working closely with the club since 2016-17 from the under-8s all the way up to the first team.
MCS founder Imam Ismail Bhamji explains to BBC Sport: “We visit clubs and often lead prayers and we sit down and learn about a particular subject afterwards. I am then available for club staff and players.
“I walk around club training facilities and buildings, meeting people and help sort out any issues that they may have and discuss in confidentiality.”
This month Guardiola spoke at a news conference about the “hurt” he feels for victims of global conflict, including the thousands killed in Palestine.
Imam Ismail says it is a subject that has struck a chord within some clubs, adding: “If help is needed, people do reach out to me for guidance on family matters and personal issues.
“One example is being asked about how to navigate the war in Gaza – in controlling their emotions and not be at risk of losing their jobs by posting something on social media.”
‘We leave it to clubs to decide what do to’
Earlier this week, Manchester United held an Iftar (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at Old Trafford for supporters, with the Adhan (call to prayer) taking place inside the stadium.
Clubs up and down the country, including Manchester City, have held similar initiatives during Ramadan in recent years.
Imam Ismail delivers workshops on Islamic awareness and Halal food guidance, while the ongoing month of Ramadan is a particularly busy period.
“We explain what Ramadan is and why Muslims find it important and why we must observe it,” he says. “It is mentioned in the Quran and one of the five pillars of Islam.
“We explain the importance of fasting for those who qualify and we also explain the impact of fasting on professional athletes and how they could navigate and work around that to ensure they can fulfil their religious obligations and the sporting side too so that they can continue to play.
“Ultimately, we leave it to clubs to decide what do to – we can’t tell them what to do.”
Players that work with MCS are understood to be pleased that they do not have to miss prayers and an Imam can come in to help them perform their duties as Muslims.
“I bumped into Pep Guardiola last week and he held my hand and wished me Ramadan Kareem,” said a beaming Imam Ismail. “That was nice of him.”
The end of Ramadan is marked by the day of Eid, which will take place on Friday, 20 or Saturday, 21 March – depending on the sighting of the new moon – when celebrations take place with families and friends and gifts are exchanged.
City face Arsenal in a tantalising Carabao Cup final on the Sunday – lifting the trophy at Wembley will provide the perfect Eid present for players and supporters alike.
