The last match day in Ligue 1 is marked by the fight against homophobia. However, one FC Nantes player does not want to participate—because of his faith. This is not the first incident of this kind.
In sporting terms, FC Nantes still has a lot to play for in its final game of the season against bottom-of-the-table Montpellier. The Bretons need at least one point to stay ahead of Le Havre, who are currently in the relegation play-off spot, after 34 games and secure their place in the division. But shortly before this important game, Nantes is dominating the headlines for other reasons. Once again.
The final matchday in Ligue 1 coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, and is dedicated to the fight against discrimination against LGBTQ people. Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed has refused to play because of this. As a result, the Egyptian has been fined by his club, with the money to be donated to an organization that fights discrimination.
Mohamed explains his decision on Instagram – for Nantes, it’s all about staying in the league
“Certain deeply rooted values associated with my heritage and faith make it difficult for me to participate in this initiative,” Mostafa Mohamed explained on Instagram. The refusal to play is “neither a rejection nor a judgment, but an expression of loyalty to what makes me who I am,” the 27-year-old wrote. This is not the first time the striker has been absent from action days against homophobia. In 2023, he refused to play against Toulouse when the teams wore jerseys with rainbow elements.
In what could be the final step toward avoiding relegation, coach Antoine Kombouaré will now have to do without Mostafa Mohamed. However, he has not played a major role in the current season anyway, making just 19 appearances as a substitute in 30 games. He scored the last of his five goals of the season about a month ago in a 2-1 defeat at Rennes, since which FC Nantes have failed to win.
