Islamic Cleric Hails Mahamadou Diawara’s Courage, Explains Implications of Stopping Ramadan Fast

• Mahamadou Diawara opted to hold onto his beliefs as he excused himself from France's U19 camp
• The Olympique Lyonnais midfielder has since returned to his club due to the rules set by the FFF
• An Islamic preacher has commended the 19-year-old over the decision not to abandon his fast

An Islamic cleric from Nigeria, Yakub Muhmin Adeyanju, has applauded Mahamadou Diawara for holding onto his faith despite the rules guiding players invited to the French national teams.

Having received an invitation to join the France under-19 squad for the forthcoming UEFA European qualifiers, the player opted to exit the team due to rules set by the country's FA.

It is reported that a section of the French Football Federation's 'neutrality' approach forbids Muslim players from fasting during Ramadan when training with the national team.

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Diawara has since returned to his club, Olympique Lyon, and the situation has generated heated debate among Muslim faithful around the world, ESPN reports.

Many have condemned the statutes by the FFF, saying sportsmen and women should be encouraged to uphold their beliefs at all times.

Nigerian Islamic cleric, Yakub Muhmin, expressed disappointment at the treatment meted out towards the player, saying such an act is bias.

Ustadh Adeyanju told Sports Brief:

"They should have considered the player. If he could carry on with fast and football, then fine. It would not be fair for him to abandon his beliefs just like that.

"Lots of Muslim players have dedicated themselves to France including Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and a host of others.

"Allah wants us to have sound bodies, as well as sound minds and sound morals," he concluded.

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Pitso Mosimane hails Muslim faithful

Sports Brief earlier reported that former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane, has won Muslim fans' hearts by sending best wishes to them during Ramadan on social media.

Ramadan is known as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and during this time, Muslims refrain from drinking and eating and are required to only break their fast after sunset.

Mosimane, who presently works in the Saudi Pro League with Abha Club, took to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) to wish all Muslims worldwide Ramadan Mubarak.