Is football merely a game? Perhaps half a century ago, one could have said so. But over time, it has transcended the 115-yard boundary. The sport has become a powerful tool for fostering an inclusive society.
The strongest proof of this is seen during Ramadan. In the holiest month for the Muslim world, observing fasts was once a massive challenge for Muslim footballers in Europe. However, as time passed, perspectives changed, and so did the situation.
The story of Youssef Chippo is a testament to this transformation. When the Moroccan midfielder joined FC Porto in Portugal in 1997, he kept a significant fact hidden—he was fasting regularly. Day after day, he endured intense training sessions without food or water, without ever speaking a word about it. Eventually, after suffering from headaches and weakness, he had no choice but to confess the truth. The club immediately took measures, devising a special plan to ensure he could perform at his best while fasting.
But times have changed. Today, the importance of Muslim players in football has grown significantly, and their needs are now taken seriously. Major European leagues, including the English Premier League, are adjusting training schedules, allowing mid-match breaks for breaking fast, and even involving nutritionists to create specialized dietary plans for Muslim players.
Not just Arsenal or Liverpool, but most clubs in England are now following this approach. In fact, leagues in England and the Netherlands have introduced “Ramadan breaks” during matches, allowing Muslim players to break their fast at sunset.
This transformation did not happen overnight. When Youssef Chippo arrived in England in 1999, he had to figure out his own ways to fast while playing. During matches, an assistant would stand by the sidelines with dates and a bottle of water, ensuring he could break his fast as soon as the sun set.
These changes on the football field are not just benefiting Muslim players; they are making the sport more tolerant and inclusive overall. Today, football is not just a game—it is a remarkable example of cultural unity.
