How Ramadan could affect Moroccan Zakaria Labyad’s routine at Corinthians | OneFootball

Ramadan begins this Wednesday and runs until 20 March, a sacred month of daytime fasting centred on reflection and charity. It could shape the routine of Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad, who is on course to join Corinthians.

According to Meu Timao, the 32-year-old has been training with the squad but is yet to be announced while work paperwork for a foreigner is finalised in the coming days. Muslim players remain rare in Brazilian football.

Fasting is strongly encouraged but not compulsory, especially for professionals, with preservation of life prioritised and exemptions in specific cases. Players decide whether to fast.

Many in Europe do fast during competition, with the Premier League and Champions League permitting in-game breaks to open the fast when kick-off overlaps sunset, a practice that will continue this season. The Saudi league paused the final 10 days last season. Clubs often adjust schedules, Jürgen Klopp moved Liverpool’s training times in 2022, and medical teams tailor nutrition.

High-profile players who observe Ramadan include Mohamed Salah, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez and Achraf Hakimi.

In 2019 at Ajax, Labyad was among three Muslim team-mates given the choice by Erik ten Hag during a decisive run that included the Tottenham Champions League semi-final, and they were understood to have observed the fast.

At least one Corinthians fixture falls within fasting hours, the clássico against Santos on 15 March in the Brasileirão. Labyad has previously celebrated goals by thanking Allah on the pitch. The club had not commented at the time of writing on any Ramadan planning with the player.

Source: Meu Timao