Morocco's Anas Ouahim Reflects on A-League 90-Second Pause for Muslim Players
First introduced last season in a show of religious inclusivity, the initiative permits a 90-second pause in play when the ball goes out of bounds after sunset.
The pause allows observant Muslim players an opportunity to hydrate and consume a small amount of food after fasting from dawn.
Sydney FC midfielder Anas Ouahim, a Morocco under-23 international, commended the league's initiative.
Ouahim said in an interview with Sydney FC media: '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.'
'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.'
The timing is particularly relevant as Ramadan began in Australia on March 1. Ouahim and other Muslim athletes will potentially benefit from the policy during their upcoming games.
For Muslim athletes like Ouahim, who was born in Germany and previously played for FC Koln, the policy represents more than just a practical consideration — it's a meaningful acknowledgment of their faith.
'Especially for professional athletes, having that opportunity is really beneficial,' he said.
For Ouahim, the initiative has created a balance for him since it 'allows me to practice my religion while still playing the sport I love.'.
The A-League's policy signals the growing awareness across global sports about accommodating religious practices.
For observant Muslims, Ramadan presents unique challenges for professional athletes who must maintain peak physical performance while observing the sacred month's traditional dawn-to-dusk fast. Yet, this simple yet significant measure helps to make their experience less strenuous. Tags: ramadanramadan 2025Ramadan Australia
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