London Olympics: Edict to exempt Moroccan athletes from Ramadan fast

Rabat, 13 July (AKI) - A religious edict will allow Moroccan athletes to eat during the day when they compete at London 2012 Olympics, which coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

According to the 'Hespress' website, Morocco's sports minister asked Muslim clerics to issue the edict or 'fatwa' to exempt the athletes from the dawn to dusk fast required of able-bodied Muslims during Ramadan.

The London 2012 Olympics take place from 25 July to 11 August.

They will be the first Games to include female athletes from every competing nation after Saudi Arabia agreed to a mixed team following protracted negotiations and heavy lobbying.

Two female Saudi Arabian athletes, in judo and athletics, will compete in London.