French Football Match Pause for Ramadan Fast Triggers Political Clash Over Secularism
The French Football Federation denies the pause was for religious reasons, as right-wing politicians criticize it as violating the country's secular principles.
- During a Ligue 1 match between Angers and Monaco on March 15, players took advantage of a pause caused by an injury to break their Ramadan fast.
- The French Football Federation (FFF) stated that the pause was not officially sanctioned for religious reasons and reaffirmed its policy prohibiting religious breaks during matches.
- Right-wing politicians, including Laurent Wauquiez, condemned the incident, calling it a breach of France's principle of laïcité (secularism) in public spaces.
- Himad Abdelli, the injured player, denied accusations of faking his injury to facilitate the fast-breaking and provided medical evidence supporting his claim.
- The incident has reignited debates about religious accommodations in sports, with comparisons drawn to more flexible practices in leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Marianne 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
Le Figaro 
Libération 