A Tunisian top-flight fixture between CS Sfaxien and AS Gabès has ignited debate after several players reportedly collapsed during a 1:00 PM kickoff held amid the holy month of Ramadan.
The match, part of the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, was played under intense daytime conditions, with temperatures and fasting combining to test the physical limits of the athletes. Witnesses at the stadium observed multiple players appearing visibly fatigued, with some going down on the pitch as medical teams rushed to provide attention.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, involves fasting from dawn until sunset — abstaining from food and water. Scheduling a high-intensity professional fixture in the early afternoon meant players who were fasting had limited means to hydrate or replenish energy levels before and during the match.
Images circulating on social media showed exhausted players struggling with the weather condition, prompting widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. Many questioned the league’s decision to schedule the game during peak fasting hours instead of opting for evening kickoffs, which are commonly preferred during Ramadan in several Muslim-majority countries.
Neither club immediately issued an official statement regarding the incidents, but the situation has intensified calls for the league authorities to reconsider match scheduling policies during the fasting period to prioritize player welfare.