Al-Hilal coach threatens Rwanda league boycott over Ramadan

Rwanda Premier League’s indifference to Al-Hilal Omdurman request to reschedule matches during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, has irked Al Hilal Omdurman coach Laurentiu Reghecampf.

The Romanian has warned that his team will boycott subsequent fixtures following the league governing body’s refusal to entertain the request to have their games played at night during the month when most of his Muslim players fast during the day.

“I think very seriously for the next games, we will not go because we made the request to the federation and to the league,” the coach said at a post-match press conference in Kigali on Wednesday after a game against Rayon Sports.

“We told them that almost all our players are observing Ramadan and [yet], they put us to play at 3 o’clock. It is not human. They have to understand that our players don’t drink, don’t eat and don’t sleep. How can we play football? It is not human.”

Reghecampf fights ‘inhuman’ playing schedule for Al-Hilal

Reghecampf warned that Al-Hilal, who are playing in the Rwanda Premier League due to the war in Sudan, will boycott the next league games scheduled during the day.

“In the next game, I have to drive four hours and play a game at 3 o’clock in the league? I will not go. Let us see what will happen because it is not human. They know that in our team, almost all the players are Muslims and we have to respect that,” the Romanian added.

“We requested to play at night and not at 8 o’clock. Don’t ask me about the game. If my team plays at eight o’clock, nine o’clock or 10 o’clock, we will beat every team. This is not about football. It is about human beings. It is not normal to put my players under these circumstances to play football. For me, it is not normal.”

Rwanda Premier League’s stance on Al-Hilal’s request

Rwanda Premier League Chief Executive Officer Jules Karangwa told the country’s New Times newspaper that it was difficult for them to reschedule the fixtures to the evening.

“We have infrastructure issues which mean we can’t guarantee fixtures at their preferred kickoff time. Kigali Pele Stadium can’t host evening games due to lighting problems, and Amahoro Stadium is also unavailable. So, we don’t have any other choice,” he said.

Al Hilal struggled in the one-all draw with Rayon Sports on Wednesday with most of the players for the Sudanese team visibly exhausted.