Across the globe, Muslim athletes observe the holy month of Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset. This spiritual commitment often intersects with demanding sports schedules, and while some leagues provide brief pauses for iftar, others do not. France’s Ligue 1 falls into the latter category. In a remarkable act of solidarity, FC Nantes’ Christian goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes, recently simulated an injury mid-match to allow his Muslim teammates time to break their fast.
The incident occurred last Sunday during Nantes’ Ligue 1 clash against Le Havre AC. In the 74th minute, as sunset approached, Lopes clutched his left hamstring and collapsed to the ground, signalling discomfort. The medical team promptly entered the field, halting play temporarily. This unplanned break allowed several Muslim Nantes players to move to the touchline, where they consumed water and dates, performing their iftar without interruption to the match.
According to international media reports, Ligue 1 regulations do not permit stoppages for religious observances. Lopes’ tactical “injury” thus became a creative solution to support his teammates’ religious needs. In contrast, other competitions such as the English Premier League have adopted more flexible approaches: since 2021, referees have allowed short pauses at sunset so that fasting players can eat or drink, often during natural breaks like goal kicks or throw-ins.
Despite the absence of such formal provisions in France, Lopes’ action drew widespread praise. The Portuguese goalkeeper quickly returned to his feet, continuing the match without any visible hindrance, while the rest of the team resumed play seamlessly. Nantes went on to secure a 2–0 victory in a crucial fixture, although they remain in the relegation zone.
The table below summarises the key match details:
| Team | Opponent | Result | League Position (Post-Match) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Nantes | Le Havre AC | 2–0 Win | 17th | 17 |
| Le Havre AC | FC Nantes | 0–2 Loss | 13th | 26 |
This episode highlights the intersection of sport and cultural sensitivity, showing that athletes can combine professional dedication with compassion and respect for teammates’ beliefs. While Ligue 1’s formal rules do not accommodate religious breaks, Lopes’ quick thinking ensured his colleagues could uphold their religious obligations without disrupting the game. The incident has been widely celebrated as a demonstration of unity, teamwork, and human decency within professional football.
FC Nantes, currently positioned 17th after 23 matches, hope to build on this morale-boosting win to improve their standing and avoid relegation, with upcoming fixtures presenting crucial opportunities to gather points and momentum.