Sydney FC midfielder Anas Ouahim has praised the A-Leagues and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) for their continued support of players observing Ramadan, with in-game breaks returning this season for players to break their fast at sunset.
During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting observed by Muslims around the world, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and for professional footballers like Ouahim, the opportunity to break their fast will often come during evening games that coincide with the setting sun.
This season, the A-Leagues will once again support players and match officials observing Ramadan with special in-game breaks in which Muslim players can break their fast.
First introduced in the A-Leagues for season 2023-24 in a joint initiative with the PFA, this is the second-consecutive campaign in which clubs can request a 90-second break in play, to take place after sunset when the ball goes out of play in a neutral position on the pitch.
READ MORE: A-Leagues to again introduce breaks for players observing Ramadan
In 2025, Ramadan falls between Rounds 21 to 24 for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, and rounds 17 to 21 for Ninja A-League Women.
Should Ouahim play from the start in Sydney’s Saturday-night Isuzu UTE A-League clash with Macarthur Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, the Round 21 fixture will be the first instance in Ramadan in which play will pause to allow the midfielder to break his fast.
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“It’s very important for us,” Ouahim said. “When you don’t drink or eat for so long, breaking your fast on time is crucial—it helps you hydrate, maybe have a date or something small to regain energy. Especially for professional athletes, having that opportunity is really beneficial. So I think it’s a great initiative.
“Ramadan is a very special time for me and for all Muslims around the world. It’s a time of self-discipline, gratitude, and reflection. We try to make the best out of it and get closer to God.”
“It’s definitely challenging. Some jobs are more physically demanding than others, and as a footballer, you do need food and water to perform at your best.
“But honestly, it’s not my first time, and I’ve always felt like I get strength from God—like He’s helping me through it.
“It allows me to practice my religion while still playing the sport I love, and I’ve found a balance that works well.”
Ouahim says the A-Leagues’ Ramadan initiative is important for inclusivity.
“I think it’s about respect—respecting each other’s beliefs, backgrounds, and what’s important to different people,” he said.
“Respect also means giving players the time and space to practice their faith while still playing football. I think it’s very important that these things can go hand in hand—you should be able to follow your religion and do what you love at the same time.”
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