Alcohol celebrations or beer promotions are part of the occasions many Muslim players have been forced to deal with over the past years.
There have been instances where some Muslim players vehemently opposed being dragged into such things they believe contravene their religious belief.
In a historic move, the first of its kind, Muslim athletes charter was launched on Saturday, June 26, to “challenge organisations” to make progress in supporting Muslim sportsmen and women.
“The recent example of Paul Pogba hiding the beer bottle highlights the need for education,” says Ebadur Rahman, founder and chief executive of Nujum Sports, BBC reported.
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The charter includes 10 points such as non-consumption of alcohol, including during celebrations, the provision of appropriate places to pray, halal food, and being allowed to fast in Ramadan.
“Having worked in sport, I am well aware of the difficulties being able to practice my religion,” Rahman told BBC Sport.
“After speaking extensively to athletes and clubs, we felt it was the right time to have a Muslim athlete charter in place in the UK. We believe it is the first and only one of its kind.
“Clubs and organisations are joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make at their respective clubs and teams.”
Nujum added that the charter was urged as the premier league has about 250 Muslim players including Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and Chelsea’s Champions League-winning N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger.
Earlier this month, Man United Muslim star Paul Pogba removed a bottle of Heineken beer from his press conference after helping guide France to a 1-0 win against Germany at the European Championships.
Endorsement
Five Premier League clubs and a further 15 from the EFL have already pledged to support the charter.
Campaigners Kick it Out and the Football Supporters’ Association have also given their backing.
A Brentford spokesman told BBC Sport: “Muslims are the second largest faith community in the UK and the fastest growing, with around 70 Muslim players at Premier League clubs.
“Assisting clubs to support those players to be themselves both at home and at work is invaluable. This charter and the support that goes with it is something that is needed and will be welcomed by clubs.”
A Watford spokesperson said the club were “excited” at continuing their partnership with Nujum, adding: “We feel this charter will be a huge benefit to us in the support our first team, women’s team and academy players.”
Islam takes an uncompromising stand in prohibiting intoxicants. It forbids Muslims from drinking or even selling alcohol.
The general rule in Islam is that any beverage that gets people intoxicated when taken is unlawful, both in small and large quantities, whether it is alcohol, drugs, fermented raisin drink or something else.
Alcoholic awards have been quashed by Muslim stars.
In 2012, Yaya Toure turned down the traditional post-match bottle of bubbly, saying: “I don’t drink because I am a Muslim, so you keep it.”
During World Cup 2018, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy refused his Man of the Match award as the award was sponsored by beer maker Budweiser.