- Aston Villa has signed the Muslim Athlete Charter, aiming to address the needs of Muslim individuals within the Club and the broader sport, emphasising equality and diversity.
- This move aligns with Aston Villa’s ongoing efforts in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and appreciation for Muslim players and supporters.
Aston Villa has embraced the Muslim Athlete Charter, in attempt to illustrate its promotion of equality and diversity for all. The club’s website explains how the charter serves a dual purpose: it not only acknowledges the specific needs of Muslim individuals within the Club but also extends to the broader realm of the sport. A comprehensive checklist within the Charter has been tailored to address the specific requirements of Muslim players.
As the number of Muslim professionals in football grows and with the backing of Muslim supporters, Aston Villa say their decision to adopt the Charter signifies their commitment to attentive listening, learning, and the integration of best practices. “This endeavour not only supports the advancement of players but also fosters a sense of appreciation and inclusion among our supporters,” the club representative said.
Club ambassador Ahmed Elmohamady alongside England cricketers Moeen Ali and Saqib Mahmood, attended the event to acknowledge Aston Villa’s adoption of the Muslim Athlete Charter
“This commitment to the Charter aligns with Aston Villa’s ongoing efforts in the realm of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), which play a pivotal role in their journey of comprehension and advancement.”
Aston Villa’s EDI Lead emphasized, “We view the signing of the Muslim Athlete Charter as an integral component of our mission to provide unwavering support to our Muslim players and supporters. By understanding the Muslim faith and its cultural requisites, we are fostering an environment of inclusivity, warmth, and genuine value at Aston Villa.”
Ebadur Rahman, Founder & CEO of Nujum Sports, expressed his appreciation: “Welcoming Aston Villa to the ranks of over 79 professional clubs across 5 different sports that have pledged their commitment to supporting Muslim players, fans, and staff is a true honor. We are excited to collaborate closely with the Club in the upcoming season to contribute positively to the realm of sport.”