The The Football Association Challenge Cup, FA cup, has banned Champagne from its cup final celebrations out of respect for the religious beliefs of some footballers, the UK Mirror reports.
As you may know, The English football’s governing body have had a long-standing culture of awarding the winning team a case of Champagne after the showpiece final.
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This is usually sprayed on the pitch following the trophy lift.
But the beverage will not be offered from this year’s edition between Manchester City and Watford. Instead, an alcohol-free substitute will be provided, so players can still spray the contents over each other.
Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan are among the Muslims who could take part in this year’s final alongside Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol.
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In addition, some other players are teetotal while others are under the legal drinking age of 18.
An FA spokesman said: “Winning teams will be awarded with non-alcoholic ‘champagne’ for their celebrations in all FA competitions, starting from this year’s Emirates FA Cup Final.
“This is to ensure that we are as inclusive as possible to players and communities who may be prohibited from alcohol, as well as any players who are under 18.”
