Cairo: Egypt’s Grand Mufti said players in the country’s national football team will not be required to fast in Ramadan during their participation in the this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The fatwa by Mufti Shawki Allam states that Muslims who are traveling are permitted by Islamic law ‘to postpone their fasting’ until they return home.
In statements to Al-Masry El-Youm newspaper, Allam said although it is permitted for the national team players to postpone fasting, he stressed that it would be best if they were able to fast.
Russia is set to host the World Cup between June 14 and July 15.
Egypt’s first match will be against Uruguay on June 15. They then come up against the hosts on June 19, before facing Saudi Arabia on June 25.
The beginning of the tournament will coincide with the last days of Ramadan, the annual holy muslim fasting month, set to start May 16.
Egypt mufti says players at World Cup not required to fast in Ramadan
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