To be tremendously fit is a must for all professional footballers: a demand that leads some Muslim players to forgo the duty of fasting during Ramadan, preferring to fulfill their obligation when the football season ends. However, for Sevilla’s Freddie Kanoute, this is not the case.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker believes it is possible for a modern footballer to remain in peak physical condition during the holy month.

The likes of Kanoute, along with Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, and Karim Benzema, are the talk of football world as doctors work around the clock to formulate a routine in order to keep them hydrated during the fasting process.

And as Spanish tabloids splash headlines about the fasting month and debates rage about whether players should even be allowed to fast and play during Ramadan – Kanoute insists he just wants to get on with it.

“I try to respect my faith and follow it as best I can,” Kanoute told Goal.com.

“It is sometimes harder to keep the fast because here in the south of Spain it is very hot, but I can do it, thank God.

“There are many Muslim footballers who people just do not know about in England in Spain, France and in many other leagues too. But having faith and practicing Ramadan is not something they wish to tell the world about.

“Personally, having faith helps my football and football helps me to be healthy and strengthens me. There is no conflict because people who know about Islam, they know that fasting empowers and does not weaken the Muslim.”

While Barcelona’s fans are wondering if the likes of Eric Abidal, Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure – all Muslims – will be fasting, Real Madrid fans know of the importance their Muslim players – especially Mahamadou Diarra – place in their religion and his traditions.

“Every coach has respected my decision,” says Diarra on his Real Madrid profile page.

“They are difficult days during which one needs to eat, but it only lasts one month. I have another ten to play well.”

The Sevilla and Real Madrid players stance on Ramadan is shared by eminent specialist – Doctor Yacine Zerguni, a member of the FIFA and CAF Sports Medical Committees.

Zerguni collaborated with F-marc, the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre, in a study on the effects of observing Ramadan for Muslim players: two professional football clubs in Algeria agreed to undergo biological, clinical and psychological tests before, during and after the month of Ramadan.

The study constituted a world first in this particular area and formed the foundations for scientific analysis of the potential impact of Ramadan on player performance.

“This month of physical and mental self discipline, which must also be free from any unhealthy or aggressive behaviour,” Zerguni told Goal.com, when asked if Ramadan was compatible with the practice of top-level football.

“Ramadan is intended be a period of internal purification and meditation; a period of regeneration. It is far from harmful. Indeed, the psychological study of the personality formed an integral part of our research project.

“And although many players who were tested could not adapt to playing whilst fasting, one has to remember that it is highly likely that the effects of Ramadan are also linked to the spiritual qualities and physical capabilities of each athlete.

“Therefore certain players who continuously observe Ramadan when playing: their body can adapt because they are used to it – but many players can get tired. Players will have to work on effective pre- and post-match routines that will help them conserve energy and strength.”

Both Mahamadou Diarra and Kanoute place particular emphasis on the charity work during Ramadan. They donate a large portion of their earnings to charities in Mali with the hope of building a better future for their fellow citizens.

For Kanoute, a chance to “make a difference during Ramadan” is something very close to his heart.

“During Ramadan I give my all for my club and try not to let my team-mates and the fans down,” he continued. “Everyone here has been very good to me and they understand. They also understand that during Ramadan you have a chance to reach out to those in need.

“For me, my charity is very important. I wanted to help with charity work for some time and a few years ago I went ahead with it and The Mali Children’s Village cares for orphaned and vulnerable children. There is a very big need to work with children here, especially orphans.

“My father was born a Muslim but as an orphan, he didn’t really know a lot about it, but he did try to teach me a few things. Children are our future and we should always try to ensure they are safe and have a good upbringing.”

Source

Related posts:

• David Robinson dreaded playing Hakeem “the Dream” in Ramadan
• Fast 6 more days and get the reward for fasting a year!
• Sh. Muhammad AlShareef – The Fasting and the Furious – Fri. Aug. 17, 2009 – Online

Diplomatic tensions have sparked recently between Israel and Brazil over none other than a soccer match, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.

The Brazilian government decided to extend a gesture to the Palestinian people and hold a friendly game between two of its leading soccer teams – Sao Paulo’s Corinthians and Rio de Janeiro’s Flamingo – in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

With famed player Ronaldo as the Corinthians’ striker and Falmingo being one of the world’s top soccer teams, many Israelis would undoubtedly love to attend the game, but the Brazilians have made it clear that they are not interested in playing in Israel – only in the Palestinian Authority.

Giora Bachar, the Israeli ambassador to Brasilia inquired about the reports in the local media with the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, which confirmed them.

Bachar filed an official protest with the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, but his report to Jerusalem did indicate that the initiative has yet to find a sponsor.

“I intend to make the Brazilians understand that if a similar game is not held in Israel, we will see it as an act of ostracism,” he said. “It would be better off if they held two games, or better still – a joint game for the Israelis and Palestinians.”

Source

Related posts:

• FIFA, France and Germany build Soccer stadium in Palestine, Israel wants to Demolish it
• Israeli TV ad shows Israeli Soldiers Playing Football (Soccer) over the Wall, Palestinians try it out for real and get tear gassed
• Play Classic Nintendo Games Online

Cristiano Ronaldo has backed Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s suggestion that he should be able to leave Manchester United if he wants.

For those who don’t know the football/soccer world has been following Ronaldo around trying to figure out if he is going to leave Manchester United and join Real Madrid.  If you don’t know Real Madrid, you probably know Zidane.  Zidane played for Real Madrid.

Related posts:

• Zidane not the man!
• Muslim Woman Asked to Leave Line at a Navy Federal Credit Union Because of Head Scarf
• Egyptian Women “Man Up”

The worldwide online Muslim community is about to experience something totally different. An all exclusive online forum dedicated to only one topic: Sports.

The only Muslim forum dedicated to discussing sports.

No madhab fighting. No salafi-sufi debates. No “Is Music Halal?” threads. No shia or sunni online wars. No bashing scholars.

Why Sports Halaqah?

Aren’t there sports forums out there already? Yes, but they have a not-so-halal environment. They talk about sports, but also discuss women, post pictures, videos, advertise haram items/events and other fitna. Sports Halaqah is a clean forum dedicated to all Muslims who love sports and want to discuss it others.

Dawah!

Sports Halaqah can also serve as dawah. One thing sports does for Muslims is bring many different types together. You can have a fistful length bearded brother and a clean-shaven, clubbin’ Muslim on the forum, but both will be talking and discussing there favorite sports team or a game and get along fine. The Muslims who are confused about Islam, we’ll realize, “hey, these big bearded brothers are cool after all!”. Not only is it potential dawah to lost Muslims, but also non-Muslims. They will be shocked to find a Muslim forum dedicated to talking about sports and not jihad for a change. Maybe some Islam hater will join in on the discussion. Who knows!

I’m asking all my Muslim brothers and sisters who are into sports, whatever it may be, to join the forum and relax your mind from your busy lives and enjoy yourselves with some sports discussion. It ain’t haram (unless your missing salah or some obligatory act).

Related posts:

• West Indies beat Pakistan! YEAHHHH!! – 2007 Cricket World Cup
• Sisters By Design Fundraiser for Islamic Forum of Canada

So even with the war going on in Iraq, their national soccer team is able to win the Asian cup by beating Saudi Arabia 1-0. At least the Iraqi people can smile a little bit.

Source

Related posts:

• Why Poland won’t win the World Cup
• Saudi Arabia Considering to Open Movie Theaters after Three Decades
• Saudi Arabia builds first University for men and women, Scholar doesn’t like it and loses his position

Related posts:

• Dislike Shaykh Hamza Yusuf? Listen!
• Shaykh Hamza Yusuf – From Protest to Engagement
• Shaykh Hamza Yusuf in NYC – Sunday April 27, 2008

Following Zinedine Zidane’s televised statement last night, Fifa announced today they have opened disciplinary proceedings against Marco Materazzi for his role in the Frenchman’s sending off in the World Cup Final.

French skipper Zidane was shown the red card after butting Materazzi in the chest during extra-time of Sunday’s final, but claimed yesterday the Italian had provoked him with “hard words” about his mother and sister. He denied media reports Materazzi had called him a terrorist.

Zidane has been invited to provide a written statement by July 18. Materazzi will then be given a chance to respond before both players are called to a face-to-face hearing of the disciplinary committee in Zurich on July 20.

A Fifa statement revealed: “The decision was taken following claims made by Zinedine Zidane, who attacked Materazzi with a headbutt during the final.”

Fifa launch Materazzi enquiry

Related posts:

• Zidane tells the World what Materazzi said
• What did Materazzi say to Zidane?
• Wack Saudi Culture – You’re my husband, but you can’t see my face!

Excerpt from the articles:

Tonight, Zidane refused to specify. He did say, under pressure from the interviewer, that Materazzi had used swear words and had mentioned Zidane’s mother and sister.

“I tried not to listen to him but he repeated them several times,” Zidane said. “Sometimes words are harder than blows. When he said it for the third time, I reacted.”

Zidane argued that while he accepted that what he had done was wrong, Materazzi was to blame.

“The reaction must be punished but if there had been no provocation there would have been no reaction,” Zidane said. “Do you think that two minutes from the end of a World Cup final, two minutes from the end of my career, I wanted to do that?”

Zidane went on to apologize, several times, to “all children and everyone who saw the act.”

Sources:
Zidane Offers Explanation for Head-Butting | New York Times
Zidane apologizes, but his family was insulted | International Herald Tribune
Zidane says Materazzi insulted mother and sister | Reuters UK
Zidane apologizes for head butt | TSN.ca
Zidane apologises for headbutt | Guradian Unlimited UK

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW (it’s in French)
Here is the transcript in English from BBC News.

Related posts:

• What did Materazzi say to Zidane?
• Materazzi will face the consequences
• Zidane not the man!

“The winner of the award is not decided by FIFA, but by an international commission of journalists,” Blatter said in Wednesday’s La Repubblica. “That said, FIFA’s executive committee has the right, and the duty, to intervene when faced with behaviour contrary to the ethic of the sport.”

Sources:
Blatter: Zidane could lose Golden Ball
FIFA president: Zidane could be stripped of best-player award
Zidane could be stripped of prize

Related posts:

• Zidane tells the World what Materazzi said
• Zidane not the man!
• What did Materazzi say to Zidane?

An expert lip-reader said:

First defender Marco Materazzi spoke in Italian – a language understood by Zidane who once played for Italian side Juventus – grabbed his opponent and told him “hold on, wait, that one’s not for a n***** like you.” But she (lip-reader) saw that as the players walked forward Materazzi said: “We all know you are the son of a terrorist whore.” Then, just before the headbutt, he was seen saying,: “So just f*** off.”
Source: Revealed: The disgusting abuse that sparked Zidane’s fury

Materazzi denies “terrorist” remark:

“It was the kind of insult you will hear dozens of times and just slips out of the ground. I didn’t call Zidane a terrorist and certainly didn’t mention his mother. I am ignorant, I don’t even know what an Islamic terrorist is; my only terrorist is her (pointing to his 10-month-old daughter). I did not bring up Zidane’s mother; for me a mother is sacred. I held his shirt, for only a few seconds. He turned towards me and scoffed at me, looking at me with super arrogance, up and down. He said ‘if you really want my shirt, you can have it later.’ It’s true, I shot back with an insult.”
Source: Materazzi denies terrorist insult

Materazzi told his agent:

He said it began when Materazzi grabbed the Frenchman’s shirt, pinching his nipple. “If you want my shirt so much, then you can f…… have it after the game” Zidane supposedly said. “I’d rather have the shirt off your woman,” Materazzi responded, a reference to Zidane’s wife Veronique.
Source: Insult was to Zidane’s wife

Portuguese News said (translation):

“According to Brazilian TV Rede Globo, a lip-reader claimed that Materazzi twice called Zidane’s sister a prostitute.”
Source: Leitura labial acusa ofensa de Materazzi à irmã de Zizou

Another Italian lip-reader said:

Materazzi said, “I wish an ugly death to you and all your family,” and then told Zidane to “go f*** yourself”.
Source: Lip-reader reveals what riled Zidane

Zidane’s agent, Alain Migliaccio, said:

“He told me Materazzi said something very serious to him but he wouldn’t tell me what. I don’t know, Zinedine didn’t want to talk about it but he will talk about it in the next couple of days. He was very disappointed and sad. He didn’t want it to end this way.”
Source: Zidane Blamed Materazzi Comment

The Italian coach, Lippi said

“You will realise it was not Materazzi who got the attention of the referee. It was the fourth and fifth officials looking at the video at the edge of the pitch. We did not do anything. They saw it and they called the attention of the referee.” Lippi refused to elaborate on what – if anything – Materazzi had muttered under his breath but he did add cryptically: “Tomorrow the French people will know the truth about Zidane. Materazzi was not acting. He took a blow and he was hurt.”
Source: Guardian Unlimited

The Father of Marco Materazzi, Giuseppe Materazzi said this:

“”I spoke to my son briefly after the game, Marco had told me he had been provoked. It’s as though they have something against him, each time. In the past two years, Marco has only been on the receiving end and the injuries he has sustained are proof of this. I don’t want to be controversial, but there are things that have to be said instead of just pointing the finger and putting a black mark against someone.”
Source: Father stands by Materazzi

Related posts:

• Zidane tells the World what Materazzi said
• Materazzi will face the consequences
• Zidane not the man!