Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouare dropped Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam for maintaining his fast for Ramadan.
Kombouare omitted Hadjam from Nantes’ squad for their latest Ligue 1 match against Reims on Sunday because he refused to break his fast for Ramadan.
The 20-year-old was set to play, but after seeing his team lose 3-0 at the Stade de la Beaujoire, the Nantes head coach explained his decision to leave him out.
Fasting in Ramadan has caused trouble for some Muslim players
Kombouare said: “There is no controversy. Those who fast, I support them. On match days, you should not fast. It is not a punishment. I set rules. It’s his choice and I respect it,”
In the month of Ramadan, followers of Islam observe a fast during daylight hours, which culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in the last week of April.
The FA in England has instructed match officials to permit players to break their fast during matches using natural stoppages.
Premier League players such as Mohamed Salah, N’Golo Kante, and Abdoulaye Doucoure are known to fast during Ramadan.
