Nantes drop player for choosing to observe Ramadan fast | OneFootball

Ligue 1 side Nantes have caused a stir after they chose to drop defender Jaouen Hadjam as he wanted to maintain his fast for Ramadan.

People of the Muslim faith fast during daylight hours of the holy month before eating and drinking after sunset.

While the Premier League have allowed players to break their fast during games this season, there have been stricter rules over in France. It was reported last week that the French Football Federation emailed clubs placing a ban on players consuming food and water at the side of the pitch after sunset.

This has now been followed by Nantes opting to drop Algeria international Hadjam as he wanted to observe his fast.

Following Nantes' 3-0 defeat at home to Reims on Sunday, manager Antoine Kombouare said: "There is no controversy. Those who fast, I support them...on matchdays, you should not fast.

"It is not a punishment. I set rules. It's his choice, and I respect it."

Reports in France claim that Hadjam had agreed to break his fast during away trips but would observe it when playing at home.