Lopez Acts to Aid Muslim Teammates’ Iftar

Across the globe, Muslim communities are observing the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion. Meanwhile, the sporting world continues its relentless schedule, often leaving little room for religious observances. In many football leagues, short breaks are scheduled to allow players to break their fast, yet some competitions do not accommodate this. France’s Ligue 1 is one such example. In a remarkable display of solidarity, FC Nantes’ Christian goalkeeper Anthony Lopes staged a brief injury during a match to enable his Muslim teammates to observe iftar.

The incident occurred during last Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash between FC Nantes and Le Havre AC. In the 74th minute, the iftar hour arrived, and Lopes suddenly clutched his left hamstring, collapsing to the pitch and signalling apparent discomfort. The medical team promptly entered the field, temporarily halting play. This short interruption allowed several of Nantes’ Muslim players to move to the sidelines, consume water and dates, and complete their iftar.

According to international media reports, French football regulations do not permit stoppages for religious reasons. Consequently, Lopes had to employ a subtle ruse to create a pause in play. His teammates capitalised on the opportunity, finishing their iftar discreetly. By contrast, other major leagues have formal allowances for such occasions. Since 2021, the English Premier League permits brief stoppages at sunset, allowing players observing Ramadan to break their fast during routine pauses such as goal kicks or throw-ins.

Despite Ligue 1 lacking a formal provision, Lopes’ thoughtful intervention earned widespread praise. Shortly after the episode, the Portuguese goalkeeper rose and resumed play without any visible discomfort, and the remaining players returned to the match seamlessly. Nantes went on to secure a 2–0 victory in an important encounter, though the club remains in the relegation zone.

The following table summarises the teams’ current league positions and match statistics:

This episode highlights not only Lopes’ sporting professionalism but also the camaraderie and respect that can exist within diverse squads. His brief “injury” was more than a tactical move—it was a gesture of solidarity and humanity, allowing his Muslim colleagues to observe a sacred tradition amid the high-intensity demands of professional football.