(NEWS.AFRICA) When Paul Pogba recently removed a bottle of Heineken from the table at a news conference, it drew widespread attention.
Drinking, promoting or advertising alcohol is forbidden in Islam and as a devout Muslim, Pogba may have felt the need to distance himself from the situation, but should he have been put in that position in the first place?
“The recent example of Paul Pogba hiding the beer bottle highlights the need for education,” says Ebadur Rahman, founder and chief executive of Nujum Sports.
Saturday sees the official launch of a historic “first of its kind” Muslim athletes’ charter – an idea devised by Rahman, who previously worked for the Football Association.
The charter 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 non-consumption of alcohol, including during celebrations, the provision of appropriate places to pray, halal food, and being allowed to fast in Ramadan.
“Having worked in sport, I am well aware of the difficulties being able to practice my religion,” Rahman told BBC Sport.
“After speaking extensively to athletes and clubs, we felt it was the right time to have a Muslim athlete charter in place in the UK. We believe it is the first and only one of its kind.
“Clubs and organisations are joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make at their respective clubs and teams.”
