The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced its rejection to grant Muslim players breaks during matches in the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast, according to French news outlet RMC.

The FFF sent a notice to clubs, referees' committee, and match organizers, confirming its refusal to stop matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast, whether for drinking water or consuming food.

Last year saw a similar decision from the French referees' association, where stopping matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast during games was prohibited.

Eric Borghini, Chairman of the Federal Arbitrators Commission, confirmed that no directives have been issued this year to avoid any “form of provocation.”

“On the other hand, if we learn that it’s happening again [the breaks], we’ll do a reminder. As a pro, I’d be surprised if that happened,” he added.

The French Football Federation relies on Article 1.1 of its statutes, which prohibits the expression of religious affiliation during matches.

Thus, France refrains from following the policy adopted by England and Germany, which allows matches to be stopped to allow Muslims to drink and eat.

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