The A-League men's and women's competitions have introduced a new policy allowing Muslim players to break their fast mid-match during Ramadan, a move hailed as 'significant'.
For footballers like Ali Auglah of Macarthur FC, matches played during this year's Ramadan will differ considerably from those in the past. In a groundbreaking move, the A-League men's and women's competitions have introduced a special window allowing Muslim players to break their fast during a match if it falls during the time of sunset. The 22-year-old striker, who has observed Ramadan since childhood, describes the new initiative as "significant".
The striker - who has three goals to his name so far this season across the A-League and regional AFC Cup - said that while fasting is good for a healthy body, managing the non-fasting period is crucial for athletes. "We need to take enough healthy food and ample fluids especially between the iftar time till the pre-dawn meal, suhoor," he said. The in-match break represents more than an opportunity to replenish energy, another Macarthur FC youngster, Abdelelah Faisal, said.