In the 74th minute of the match against Le Havre on 22/2, goalkeeper Lopes sat down after the ball went out of play, despite no apparent collision. Medical staff then entered the field to attend to the 35-year-old goalkeeper. It was close to 19h local time.

While Lopes received attention, five of his teammates moved to the sideline to consume food and water. This marked the moment these players concluded their daily fast.

Goalkeeper Lopes (in orange) fakes an injury to allow teammates to go to the sideline for their meal.

For Muslim adherents, fasting from dawn to sunset is observed during the holy month of Ramadan, with only two meals permitted daily. Football players are no exception, even when training and competing during daylight hours. Ramadan commenced last week and will conclude on the evening of 19/3. During this period, sunset is expected between 17h and 19h.

In leagues such as the Premier League and Bundesliga, organizers instruct referees to pause matches at sunset, allowing Muslim players to break their fast and re-energize. However, this provision is not yet implemented in French football, compelling teams to devise their own methods to support players in upholding both their religious observance and athletic performance.

Outfield players are typically required to leave the pitch if they receive medical attention. However, this rule does not apply to goalkeepers, ensuring the team does not face a numerical disadvantage afterward. The match must be paused until the medical treatment is complete, also providing other players on the field with additional rest time.

Anthony Lopes is not the first to exploit this loophole in football regulations. Several teams, including Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, have reportedly utilized this rule for coaches to relay instructions, allow players to re-energize, or simply to run down the clock. However, the Portuguese goalkeeper's action was driven by humanitarian spirit rather than strategy, earning widespread commendation from the Muslim community.

Lopes after Nantes' 2-0 victory over Le Havre in Ligue 1's 23rd round at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France, on 23/2. Photo: Hommedumatch

Lopes promptly resumed play once his teammates had finished their meal. This valuable pause invigorated Nantes, leading them to a 2-0 victory and breaking a five-match losing streak. The outcome at Stade de la Beaujoire gave the second-to-last team 17 points, narrowing the gap with Auxerre, who are positioned just above them.

Vy Anh