Ramadan fast sparks debate

SHOULD top athletes fast during Ramadan? The question has provoked an often heated debate in Muslim countries, particularly as national teams prepare for the 2018 World Cup.

For Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco – four Muslim-majority countries competing in this year’s World Cup in Russia – the end of the Muslim holy month today coincides with the tournament’s kickoff.

In the lead up to World Cup play, Egypt’s failure to win any of its pre-tournament friendly matches – three of which were played during Ramadan – brought strong criticism from its fans.

But despite their lacklustre performance, The Pharaohs remained “determined” to fast the entire month, according to a statement put out by the Egyptian Football Association in late May.

After the team’s 0-0 draw against Colombia on June 1, The Pharaohs’ Argentinian coach Hector Cuper said the Ramadan fast had “affected the players” performance.

Cuper’s comments came shortly after Egyptian superstar forward Mohamed Salah was injured while playing for Liverpool in the European Champions League final.

In Saudi Arabia the kingdom’s football federation sparked controversy earlier this year when it ruled players could abstain from the fast if they applied for a “permit”.

The decision angered Saudis, who denounced it on social media.

In Tunisia, players organised their schedule around fasting hours, training just before iftar – the breaking of the fast.

Egyptian sports doctor Sherif Azmy thinks fasting, when well-planned, does not interfere with athletic performance. Azmy also said FIFA’s guidelines also make room for fasting players.

The rules, he said, indicate that “no match should be held until three or four hours after iftar,” allowing players enough time to break their fast well ahead of the game. – AFP