Nantes player dropped for refusing to break Ramadan fast

'I set rules'

Hadjam is one of several Muslim footballers around the world taking part in Ramadan in which players of the Islamic faith fast in daylight hours for a month from March 21/22 and ends with the celebration of Eid. They are then allowed to eat and drink in the evening once the sun sets.

But after Hadjam rejected Kombouare's orders to eat on a match day, the Nantes boss decided to drop the 20-year-old from the squad for their 3-0 defeat to Reims altogether.

"There is no controversy," Kombouare said.

"Those who fast, I support them. On matchdays, you should not fast.

"It is not a punishment. I set rules. It’s his choice and I respect it."

Match officials in England have been given guidance to use stoppages in a game to allow Muslim players to break their fast by consuming water and energy gels when playing in evening games.

Officials were also encouraged to find any players participating in Ramadan who need to break their fast so that they can arrange a suitable time to allow for a break in play.

Two years ago a Premier League footballer was allowed to break their fast for the first time in history. Wesley Fofana – playing for Leicester City at the time – and Cheikhou Kouyate, formerly of Crystal Palace, were allowed to take on board fluids and supplements during a game against the two sides.

Related links:

• Match officials asked to allow players to break fast during Ramadan
• Blackburn Rovers become first club in UK to host Eid prayers at stadium
• Ex-Juventus striker sent off for urinating by the pitch