OLLI HARDER is open to a possible mid-game pause in WSL evening fixtures during Ramadan so Muslim players can break their fasts.
And Harder’s club West Ham, who face Manchester City in the FA Cup later, have been supporting Hawa Cissoko with her training and nutritional needs.
Olli Harder’s West Ham side hope to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 2019Credit: Getty
The France and Hammers centre-back, 25, is among the Muslim players in the WSL who are fasting during the Islamic holy month.
Harder, 36, was speaking days after Leicester’s clash with Crystal Palace reportedly became the first Premier League fixture to be paused to allow fasting players to eat and drink at sunset.
On the idea of a similar pause in games in the top tier, Harder said: “With anything that helps athletes perform better, then there should be a conversation about it. I would support the idea.
“We have a lot of support structures and systems in place in regard to helping all our athletes.
“With Hawa’s circumstances, there is an extra part that needs to be played there.
“It has been managed well as she is fit, healthy and ready to go on the pitch.”
West Ham’s FA Cup duel with City will be the third clash between the sides this season.
Last time out, City avenged their October home loss to the Irons with a 2-0 win on the road.
