French Football Match Paused During Ramadan Fasting Break Draws Political Backlash
The Angers-Monaco game was briefly stopped to allow Muslim players to break their fast, leading to criticism from right-wing politicians over perceived violations of laïcité.
- The Ligue 1 match between Angers and Monaco was briefly paused at the 13th minute after a player injury, during which Muslim players broke their Ramadan fast.
- This pause, reportedly agreed upon by team staff and the match delegate, contrasts with the French Football Federation's (FFF) policy prohibiting religiously motivated breaks during games.
- Right-wing politicians, including Laurent Wauquiez and François-Xavier Bellamy, criticized the decision, calling it a breach of France's secular principles (laïcité).
- The FFF clarified that the pause was not officially sanctioned for religious reasons but occurred during a natural stoppage in play.
- The incident has reignited debates on religious expression in sports, with some viewing it as a challenge to France's secular framework.
Le Journal du Dimanche 
Le Figaro 
Libération 