Official: Egypt Could Skip Fasting For Rwanda World Cup Clash

Reports have disclosed that the players of the Egypt side are willing to skip the Muslim Ramadan fasting on the day of their game against Rwanda in a decisive World Cup qualifier on September 5.

Islam makes it mandatory for its faithfulls to go without food and water for most of the day during the month of Ramadan, but even though the Rwanda World Cup clash falls within this period, the president of the Egypt Football Association (EFA), Sameer Zaher, has said the players think it is not a good idea to fast on that day and that they have received support from some clerics in this respect.

"All players are convinced not to fast on the match day," said Zaher.
 
There are "Fatwa" from some Imams about this, because the players are on a national mission and they want to achieve the hopes of Egyptian fans."

It has been reported that "Fatwa institute in Egypt" has announced that players could stop their fasting on match day, even though this fatwa has been dismissed by many respected Islamic teachers around the world.

However, close sources suggest that a devout Muslim like star midfielder Mohammed Aboutrika has insisted he will continue with his fasting, even on match day against the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali.

This is a must-win match for Egypt, who are three points behind surprise leaders Algeria in their qualifying group after four rounds of matches.

Samm Audu, Goal.com