How do the Muslim players of Manchester City adapt to Ramadan?

Muslim players from Manchester City face a unique challenge during the holy month of Ramadan, which requires significant adaptations in their routines. During this fasting period, observed by millions around the world, the coaching staff and the players themselves must find ways to balance the demands of professional football with spiritual obligations.

The match between Leeds United and Manchester City, scheduled for this Saturday at Elland Road, may be interrupted in the first half to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast. With the match set to kick off at 5:30 PM BST and sunset in West Yorkshire occurring at 5:41 PM, a strategic pause may be necessary. Players such as Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, or Abdukodir Khusanov may be seen on the sidelines consuming food and drinks to replenish their energy.

Sources close to the club indicate that a decision regarding this pause will be made on the morning of the game, and the expectation is that Leeds will show total understanding and support for this request from the visiting team. In response to a question from BBC Sport about whether the club needs to adjust its schedules to support Muslim players, manager Pep Guardiola stated: “They follow this religious tradition. We have good nutritionists and they adapt to what the team needs. We cannot change the kickoff times of the Premier League and I think they are already used to it – they are not young and have been playing during this period for many years.”

Manchester City has a rich history with Muslim players. German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan captained the team to a historic Treble in 2023, while Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez was part of the championship-winning squad and won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2016. The iconic Yaya Toure, in turn, is remembered by fans for scoring the decisive goal in the 2011 FA Cup final, ending a 35-year trophy drought, and he refused to accept a bottle of champagne when named man of the match, citing his Islamic beliefs.

Although Manchester City’s training equipment is sponsored by the Japanese beer company Asahi, the Super Dry 0.0% brand is emblazoned on it, meaning that Muslim players are promoting a non-alcoholic product. The organization Muslim Chaplains in Sport (MCS) plays a key role in educating players and staff on issues like this, working closely with the club since the 2016-17 season, covering everything from youth teams to the first team.

The founder of MCS, Imam Ismail Bhamji, explained to BBC Sport: “We visit clubs and often lead prayers, then we sit down and learn about a particular issue. I am available to the club’s staff and players. I walk around the training facilities and buildings, getting to know people and helping to resolve any issues they may have in confidentiality.”

Recently, Guardiola expressed his sorrow regarding the victims of global conflicts, including the thousands of lives lost in Palestine. Imam Ismail mentions that this is a matter that resonates with some clubs, adding: “If they need help, people often reach out to me for guidance on family and personal issues. One example is requests for advice on how to cope with the war in Gaza – on how to manage emotions and not risk losing their job by posting something on social media.”

Additionally, this week, Manchester United organized an Iftar (the breaking of the Ramadan fast) at Old Trafford for fans, with the Adhan (call to prayer) being performed inside the stadium. Clubs across the country, including Manchester City, have promoted similar initiatives during Ramadan in recent years. Imam Ismail conducts workshops on Islamic awareness and guidance on Halal food, with the month of Ramadan being a particularly active period for these activities.

“We explain what Ramadan is and why it is important for Muslims and why we should observe it,” he says. “It is mentioned in the Quran and is one of the five pillars of Islam. We explain the importance of fasting for those who are able to do so.” Adaptation and support are crucial, not only for on-field performance but also for the spiritual and emotional well-being of players during this sacred month.