Why Ramadan could play a critical part in this year's World Cup

With the World Cup and Ramadan set to overlap for the first time in 28 years, some of the world's top players could be affected should they advance to the second round. 

According to the Daily Mail, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko, Karim Benzema, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembele, Cheick Tiote, Kolo Toure, Xherdan Shaqiri, Mesut Ozil, Mamadou Sakho, Moussa Sissoko, and Gervinho are practising Muslims, who will be expected to fast once Ramadan begins on June 28. 

The religious month requires Muslims to refrain from consuming food and drinks during the hours of daylight, and lasts 30 days (June 28-July 27). Due to their religious and football commitments, Ramadan could pose a problem for these players and their countries. 

With Brazil having an average temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius) in June and July, resulting in some players seeking permission to consume food and drink during Ramadan, while others are keen on remaining disciplined regarding the religious fast. 

Speaking on the issue last year, via the Daily Mail, Yaya Toure voiced his opinion on football and Ramadan:

You definitely need discipline. For me, the first five days are difficult but after that, the body just starts to [adapt] and you feel really happy. 

You clean your body as well and you feel even stronger after Ramadan. I think it's amazing how Ramadan can make you really strong. 

I've been observing Ramandan during all the years I've been in football. It's very important that you eat well. It's important that you eat the right food because you can gain weight or you can have less food in your body. 

That's why you need to drink very well. You also need to be aware of what you are doing, because your body is missing things. With the doctor and all the people in the club, we try to work on that. They give me things that I can take to help me feel better.