The words of Habib Beye, Friday at a press conference, resonated in the ears of Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF).
The Red Star coach deplored “religious discrimination” and “stigmatization” of Muslim players, particularly during Ramadan.
In an interview with franceinfo this Sunday, Philippe Diallo assured that the FFF did not in any way prohibit players from respecting the fast, in the French team as in Ligue 1. “I cannot accept that people say that the FFF carries out religious discrimination.
(…) No one at the Federation, starting with me, has forbidden anyone from fasting.
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The President of the Federation, however, agreed that it was preferable for players to postpone their fast on competition days and make up for it at the end of Ramadan.
“It is possible, if we want to fast, so as not to jeopardize the performance or health of athletes, to postpone it.
I even heard that an official of the Muslim authority said that it was perfectly compatible with practicing high-level sport by suspending one's fast.
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But he emphasizes: “When players are selected for the French team, I do not ask them their religion.
The trial against the Federation is a bad trial, unjust, and based on false foundations.”
Also read “What would it cost?
»: why the FFF does not want “Ramadan breaks” to break the fast in the middle of a match
The FFF is notably criticized for not adapting its “general framework” in order to make it easier for Muslim players to practice fasting.
She invokes “religious neutrality” and “respect for secularism” to justify her choice.
In some countries, breaks are allowed during matches to break the fast.