VERSUS, is a media platform and fan community championing the future of football and its impact on culture and society. What makes this platform stand out is both the quality of the writing and the wide range of topics covered, from fashion and music to sexism, racism and religion, as well as aspects of the game itself, of course. On the subject of religion, Ahmed Shooble wrote last April that “the sport hasn’t always been the most Muslim-friendly space. Gambling sponsors and a prominent drinking culture exist in most footballing corners of the world – turning enjoyment of the game into a bit of an ethical labyrinth for practising Muslims to navigate.” He went on however, to comment on the improved attitudes and understanding shown by football managers towards Muslim players who fast during Ramadan, and to show his appreciation of Mohammed Salah, both on and off the pitch. Liverpool FC support their diverse fanbase by providing a multi-faith room for use on match days, and they are by no means the only club to do this.

In today’s pressured world, there is a real need for people to have a quiet space for reflection, meditation or prayer in the workplace, and this includes sports stadia, which are often situated in large cities, with staff, players and supporters coming from different backgrounds and cultures. If such space is to be used for prayer it must by law, be available to everyone without discrimination. It must, therefore, provide for the traditions of different faiths without causing offence to any. Hence the concept of a multi-faith room, also sometimes known as a quiet room or wellbeing room. For practical advice, download “Diversity Matters,” WuduMate’s Guide to Best Practice Multi-Faith Room Design.

In spring 2024, Arsenal FC created a prayer room for their players at the Emirates Stadium in north London. On Arsenal Media reported that “this addition reflects our commitment to providing inclusive spaces for individuals of all faiths to practice their beliefs.”

Another club which has done much to promote social cohesion and to make all fans feel welcome, is Blackburn Rovers (winners in November 2023 of the Ihsan Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion at the Islam Channel Business Awards), who were aware of the need to provide their Muslim fans and staff with facilities to pray and perform wudu, the Islamic pre-prayer ablution ritual. As reported on their news page in January 2023 “Rovers have taken another positive step to becoming a fully inclusive and accessible club by upgrading its multi-faith facility at the Blackburn End. The club has installed a WuduMate next to its prayer room thanks to a generous donation from the club’s charity partner Benefit Mankind.”

The model chosen for ablution was the WuduMate Modular. Manufactured in the UK, in high quality, easy to clean sanitary grade acrylic, the WuduMate Modular is designed for high usage, communal ablution environments. A choice of compatible WuduMate taps is available, designed to ensure that the spouts are in the most comfortable position for wudu and at the right angle to minimise splashing.

Bruk Abdu is the Social Inclusion Manager for Arsenal in the Community. In an interview with Brian Matovu published on www.arsenal.com, he talks about his experiences of Ramadan while working for the club. His positive conclusion indicates that, while discrimination still exists in football, the situation is improving: “the fact that players, authorities and fans alike now show acceptance and understanding of different cultures is truly, commendable. It demonstrates a collective embrace of diversity and inclusivity within football, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among all involved.”

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