Mesut Ozil admits to not fasting this Ramadan

This year’s holy month of Ramadan falls concurrently as the World Cup knockout matches.

French player, Karim Benzema and Germany’s Mesut Ozil are among the few Muslim players who are participating in the 2014 World Cup.

For many of the Muslim players from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Algeria and Nigeria, this holy month does not create a problem for them.

However, Ozil has admitted that he will not be fasting so that he would be able to perform for his team.

Other Muslim players in this year’s World Cup include Sami Khedira from Germany, Mamadou Sakho and Moussa Sissoko from France, Marouane Fellaini from Belgium and Xherdan Shagiri from Switzerland.

Karim Benzema

French striker Karim Benzema (right) is among the few Muslim players in this year's World Cup

Professional footballers usually adopt a strict diet to maintain and guarantee hydration and body fitness. They also have to acclimatize to the humid weather in Brazil.

Imsak (the start of fasting) to Maghrib (signifying the breaking of fast) in Rio de Janeiro will take around 11 to 12 hours.