"Muslim players in European soccer teams are a proof that their faith and cultures are not stumbling blocks hindering contribution to the development of their societies in all domains," Anas al-Tikriti, former chairman of the Muslim Association of Britain, told IslamOnline.net.
"They can help clear misconceptions about Islam and prove that the Muslim faith is a way of life," he added.
Many Muslim players have captured the limelight during their participation in the world football gala.
Among them is French playmaker legend and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane.
His expected successor, midfielder Franck Ribery, has also made headlines during his country's opener against Switzerland.
Ribery, a native French revert, raised his hands and supplicated to God like a typical Muslim before the kickoff.
July, 01, 2006 11:56 PM