FA tell managers and staff about Jewish holidays

The Football Association has issued guidance on Jewish festivals and their impact on the sport after working with Jewish groups.

Part of a series, which focuses on faith and festivals throughout the year, the Tishri Factsheet was produced in partnership with groups like the Community Security Trust (CST) and Maccabi GB.

The quick reference guide profiles Jewish names in the beautiful game, such as Israeli manager Avram Grant and Doncaster Rovers’ captain Dean Furman, one of the few British-based Jewish footballers playing in the football league.

“I have been very touched by the support I received, observing Yom Kippur,” said Grant, former manager at Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham.

“The backing from the owners, the positive messages from the fans and the commitment and effort of my staff and players was truly special,” he said.

“I am humbled by this response. All my life I have respected others and it is good it is happening the other way.”

Alex Goldberg, chair of the FA Group on Faith in Football who drafted the guide, said: “This is part of a series of factsheets focusing on different faiths, their festivals and football throughout the year in order to help promote diversity within the beautiful game.”

The two-page factsheet is designed to help explain to those working in football the importance of the holy month of Tishri, during which there are 13 days of religious significance, including the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

It advises managers and coaching staff that this is a period in which Jewish participants “cannot be compelled to play” except where they have consented to do so, or where they are registered as a player under written contract.