What does Ramadan mean for World Cup players?

Religion or athletic aspirations

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed for thirty days, during this time healthy Muslims are expected to fast during daylight hours, this means no food or drink for the hours of fasting.

Muslim player Karim Benzema

Most Muslims wake up early in the mornings to eat before the sun rises and break their fast after the sun sets. Observing fasts is one of the pillars of the Muslim faith.

Brazil at this time sees the sun rising around 6:30 am and 7:00 am and the temperatures closing in to the 90s with humidity matching.

Players would therefore face hot, stuffy conditions with no food nor water and no chance to replenish water loss during water breaks. Several of the remaining teams such as Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and France have Muslim. Algeria who also holds a chance to the finals of the 2014 World Cup is predominantly Muslim will have to choose between religion and athletic aspirations.

Muslim fans supporting the 2014 World Cup

Ramadan also called Ramadhan or Ramzan starts today Sunday, June 29, 2014.

Fans alike will be observing Ramadan. Some players have said that they will not be observing this year's fasting.