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Why are street football tournaments a Ramadan tradition in Egypt?

Ramadan is a time for prayer and reflection worldwide but in Egypt they mark it using one of their nationwide passions- football

鈥淵ou cannot feel that you鈥檙e fasting when you鈥檙e playing. No water, no food, but it鈥檚 still very exciting to finish and to score"

Ramadan is a time for prayer and reflection worldwide. But in Egypt they mark it using one of their nationwide passions: football.

Since the 1960s street football tournaments have spread to every town 鈥 involving everyone from professional footballers to children and old men. A woman鈥檚 tournament is in its infancy.

Some footballers have even been slapped with heavy fines by their clubs for taking part 鈥 but many remain undeterred, as it鈥檚 such a part of Ramadan tradition and culture.

PRESENTER: Alan @Kasujja

GUESTS: 70 year old Elsayed Mohamed and his son, football journalist, Mohamed Kutbah, and Hamada Elalfy, one of the organisers of the Mit Rumi tournament.

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17 minutes

Podcast