The holy month of Ramadan is underway for the Muslim community. This much-awaited month for devout Muslims around the world began earlier this week. Ramadan has already begun in the Arab world and the Middle East. The first fast is being observed in many other parts of the world, including Bangladesh, from today.
Like much of the rest of the Muslim world, Ramadan has begun to have an impact on the world of sports. Muslim footballers are also abstaining from food and drink during the month of Ramadan in accordance with religious restrictions. And the Belgian Pro League and the FA, the governing body of English football, have taken special initiatives to respect their religious values.
The FA has introduced a special break rule for all FA Cup matches during Ramadan at sunset. Although no decision has been made by the English Premier League so far, there will be a special ‘Ramadan break’ in FA Cup matches. This special break has been announced to give Muslim players time to break their fast. This rule will be in place for two fifth-round matches in the FA Cup schedule this Ramadan.
A similar special ‘Ramadan break’ is coming to the Belgian Pro League. In the country with only 5 percent Muslims, matches also have a break at sunset. The match between the 14th-placed team in the league, Saint-Truiden, and K. V. Kortrijk, had a special ‘Ramadan break’. The break was 12 minutes into the match. Saint-Truiden won the match 4-2.
