Nantes: Kombouaré responds to Hadjam Ramadan row

"There is no controversy " – those were the words Antoine Kombouaré used when answering questions at his press conference after Nantes' heavy 3-0 defeat to Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday. The day before, the Canaris coach had sparked a flood of reactions by leaving Jaouen Hadjam out of the matchday squad for the game. The reason? The Algeria international is observing Ramadan and does not want to break his fast on matchdays, which goes against the rules in place. "I gather there's a controversy. But for me, there is no controversy! I'm the coach, I put rules in place, I have a framework," said the Kanak coach.

Read also: France-Algeria: Jaouen Hadjam facing a choice

Kombouaré then expanded on his position, setting out the rules he has put in place: "During the week, there's no problem for those who are fasting in training; I'm even there to support and help them. So when we have breakfasts and meals, they rest. They don't take part in double sessions, because we want to protect them and stop them getting injured. But the rule is that on matchdays, you can't fast. So those who are fasting are not in the squad."

Antoine Kombouaré's comments on Jaouen Hadjam's exclusion in full. The FC Nantes coach explains that he is not punishing his player but has put rules in place for matches. #TeamDZ pic.twitter.com/AwW6YJg5gL

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) April 2, 2023

In recent seasons, Ramadan has become a flashpoint for controversy in France, where the French Football Federation recently drew attention by sending a note to match officials forbidding them from stopping games to allow players to break their fast. The note prompted a wave of outrage and illustrates how sensitive the subject is, while in neighbouring countries many arrangements are made to make it easier for Muslim players to break their fast without affecting play. "We know what England is like. We have to admit they're more open than us on the subject and it has always been that way, " lamented Nice coach Didier Digard at a press conference.

It has to be said that in France, at amateur and professional level alike, the subject remains as divisive as ever, much like the questions around secularism that have taken centre stage in public debate. In his response, Antoine Kombouaré nevertheless tried to calm things down in the face of the scale the row has taken on, stating that Jaouen Hadjam has not been sanctioned. "I respect the fact that he's fasting, but he has to respect the rule I've put in place. And it applies to everyone. As proof, there are 6 of them observing Ramadan and Jaouen is the only one who doesn't eat on matchdays. There's no problem, and there's no sanction, by the way. But quite simply, when you don't eat, with me, you're not selected (…) I've been coaching for 20 years and I've always done this. I respect his choice. (….) Everyone takes responsibility. " Will that be enough to defuse the row?