Harun Nasrullah
English Football League (EFL) Championship clubs Millwall, Luton Town, and Swansea City signed the Muslim Athlete Charter, which has already been signed by over a third of the 92 professional clubs pledging to “actively support” Muslim players, reports the BBC.
The charter created by Nujum Sports in 2021 seeks to “challenge organisations” to make progress in supporting Muslim sportsmen and women, with signatories pledging to “create positive change”. There are 10 points contained within the charter, such as the non-consumption of alcohol, including during celebrations; the provision of appropriate places to pray, halal food, and being allowed to fast during Ramadan.
According to Millwall, seven of their academy players are Muslim, and signing the charter will ensure “inclusivity” and the opportunity for them to “flourish.” Millwall CEO Steve Kavanagh said: “It is imperative the club incorporates the differing needs of our Muslim players.”
He added: “As a club, we are striving to create an environment where players and staff can maximize their ability and talent, and this will help those of Muslim faith to do exactly that.”
Luton Chief Executive Gary Sweet said: “We believe this is a positive step for Luton Town and integral to our work supporting our players, colleagues, and supporters. We are an all-inclusive club situated in one of the most multicultural and ethnically diverse towns in the country, and as a club, we are proud to represent Luton on a national level.
“That diversity is reflected not only in our playing squad but also in the staff working for the club on a daily and matchday basis. By understanding their faith and cultural needs, we can better position ourselves as a club as well as make our players and fans feel valued and appreciated.”
James Chiffi, Head of Wellbeing and Development at Swansea City, said: “We are honoured to pledge our commitment to the Muslim athlete charter, a human-first approach is something we strive for, and the faith and cultural needs of all stakeholders form an integral part of that. Thank you to Ebs and all at Nujum for guiding us on this positive step towards a more inclusive world.”
A spokesman for Swansea City FC told The Muslim News that “as part of the relationship with Nujum Sports, Swansea City attended the launch of this year’s Ramadan Packs at Lords Cricket Ground on March 7.
The pack will be provided to all Muslim players at the club, and it marks the beginning of a journey to becoming fully accredited, with Nujum Sports helping us through education to create a more open and inclusive environment. It also strengthens our voice and our zero tolerance for any form of discrimination.”
Nujum CEO Ebadur Rahman, who devised the charter, said its most recent venture is a “massive step for football in Europe.” Rahman told BBC Sport: “Our strategic objectives for this coming year will take our work internationally, with some key partners in Europe, starting with the KNVB.”
Photo: Millwall FC “the Den” stadium (Credit Billy Batty/WikiCommons)
