Egyptian defender Saad Samir has urged the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to reschedule Premier League and Egyptian Cup matches during Ramadan, emphasizing the physical challenges faced by Muslim players who compete while fasting.
A call for consideration
With Ramadan underway, professional footballers in Arab countries are balancing the demands of fasting, prayer, and competition.
As matches currently kick off in the early evening, many players must take to the field without breaking their fast, leading to physical strain and potential performance issues.
Saad Samir, who plays for Ceramica Cleopatra, has publicly called for adjustments to match timings, suggesting a later start to accommodate players observing Ramadan.
In a statement on his Facebook page, the 35-year-old centre-back appealed directly to EFA officials, proposing that evening matches be pushed back from 19:00 GMT to 20:45 GMT.
Samir’s appeal
In his post, Samir expressed his respect for Ramadan and the importance of allowing players the opportunity to break their fast before taking to the pitch.
“Happy Ramadan to all. We hope that the officials of the Egyptian Premier League and Egyptian Cup will consider adjusting match schedules during Ramadan, shifting kick-off times from 19:00 GMT to 20:45 GMT at least. This will allow players and fans to break their fast, pray, and take a short rest before the matches begin.”
His request reflects concerns shared by many athletes who must compete under intense physical conditions while fasting.
A broader challenge for Muslim athletes
This is not the first time the issue has been raised in Egyptian football.
In previous years, various clubs and players have requested adjustments to accommodate Ramadan observances.
Other Muslim-majority nations with professional football leagues have also faced similar debates over scheduling during the holy month.
While some leagues shift match schedules to later in the evening, others maintain their usual timetables, requiring players to adapt.
What’s next for Ceramica Cleopatra?
Saad Samir remains an integral part of Ceramica Cleopatra, where he is under contract until June 2025.
His club is set to face Pyramids FC next Wednesday in a crucial Egyptian Premier League fixture.
Whether EFA will respond to his request and adjust match timings remains to be seen, but Samir’s appeal has already sparked discussions about how best to accommodate fasting players during Ramadan.
