Burnley FC sign Muslim Athlete Charter

In a significant move towards promoting Muslim inclusivity in British sport, this morning Burnley Football Club officially announced their commitment to the Muslim Athlete Charter. [1]

Contents

An alignment with Muslim values What is the Muslim Athlete Charter?Key elements A recognition of Muslim contribution to British sport Analysis Also read

This latest landmark decision underscores the growing importance of British Muslim footballers and athletes in the world of UK sports, as well as the need for sports institutions to create safe and inclusive environments for Muslim athletes, staff, and fans.

Ann-Marie Bradley, Head of HR at the Clarets, said of the news,

“We are delighted to sign the Muslim Athlete Charter.

“Along with our season-long partnership with Building Bridges, we believe that this is an integral part of our work in providing support to our Muslim players, staff, and supporters.

“By signing the Muslim Athlete Charter and by understanding the Muslim faith and cultural needs, we can truly say that we represent our town as well as making all feel valued and appreciated at Burnley Football Club. One Club For All.” [1]

An alignment with Muslim values

With the increasing presence of Muslim players in the professional football arena and a growing number of Muslim supporters, Burnley recognised the need to align itself with the values that Muslims hold dear to.

In comments shared with Islam21c, Ebadur Rahman, Founder & CEO of Nujum Sports, said,

“It is an honour to have Burnley join over 80 professional clubs from 5 different sports, who have all pledged to support their Muslim players, fans and staff.

“We will be working closely with the Club for the upcoming season to make a positive impact in the sport.”

What is the Muslim Athlete Charter?

In June 2021, Nujum Sports, a Muslim non-profit dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Muslims in UK sports and addressing the unique religious concerns and needs of Muslim athletes, introduced the Muslim Athlete Charter. [2]

The development of this comprehensive framework can be seen as nothing less than a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing awareness of Muslim participation and accomplishments within various sporting disciplines in the UK, including football, cricket, rugby, and more.

Key elements

At the core of the Charter lies an extensive checklist that thoughtfully caters to the specific requirements of Muslim athletes. [2]

This comprehensive list encompasses a wide array of considerations, spanning from dietary preferences to religious practices, all with the overarching goal of ensuring that every Muslim athlete can pursue their sporting careers without compromising their deeply-held values, principles, and religious identity.

Being more than just a document, the Charter serves as an educational tool, fostering an understanding among non-Muslim athletes regarding the religious and cultural differences and sensitivities of their Muslim counterparts, particularly in relation to issues such as alcohol consumption and interactions with athletes of the opposite sex.

A recognition of Muslim contribution to British sport

The significance of this move extends beyond the boundaries of the Clarets.

The signing exemplifies the increasing recognition of British Muslim footballers and athletes, who have made substantial contributions to UK football and British sports as a whole. Their talent, dedication, and passion have enriched the sporting landscape and continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.

Furthermore, it underscores the importance of British sporting institutions providing safe and welcoming spaces that cater to the needs of Muslim athletes, staff, and fans.

In a multicultural society like the UK, inclusivity should be celebrated and embraced at all levels of sports, and the signing of the Muslim Athlete Charter by Burnley serves as a shining example.

As the club joins the ranks of those championing this cause, it sends a clear message that the world of football is for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Shaheer Choudhury

Head of Editorial

We are very pleased to share in the excitement regarding Burnley's signing of the Muslim Athlete Charter; it cannot be understated how important the framework is for the continued improvement of the professional sporting lives of countless British Muslims.

In the UK, the balance between our dīn and sports has often been a challenging one for Muslim sportsmen and women — as has been proven by the participation of nearly a hundred clubs, this structure holds the key to boosting understanding of the Islamic faith among non-Muslim colleagues, with a clearer appreciation for events such as Ramadan, Eid, and other critical aspects of our faith, including prayer, charity, and much more.

With the Clarets taking pride of place as the latest Premier League club to support Nujum Sports' vital work in the field of Muslim inclusivity, we now look ahead to other top-flight clubs — not only in football but further afield — taking the initiative and building on the work that has already been completed.