The Chelsea FC Muslim Supporters’ Group, in partnership with Chelsea Foundation, welcomed fans to Stamford Bridge for their second annual Eid celebration at the weekend.
After hosting the first ever Open Iftar in a Premier League stadium in 2023, this year’s event was a space for Chelsea FC’s Muslim community to come together and celebrate the occasion of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar.
Ibrahim Rabbaj, Chelsea Academy player and Morocco U17 team member, who was present on the day, said: ‘Events like this are amazing at making people feel welcomed and supported.
‘I am so comfortable on and off the pitch at this club, and grateful to be part of it thanks to their support of my faith. We have a notable Muslim community within the Academy that I feel like a role model for, and events like this make that family atmosphere feel bigger even and club-wide.’
The evening featured learnings from Zoheb Gaj, founder and chair of the Chelsea FC Muslim Supporters’ Group, and Aatif Nawaz, award-winning comedian and cricket commentator.
Zoheb Gaj spoke about the power of faith and its ability to create community within football. ‘Eid reminds us of the strength in unity,’ he said. ‘Through faith and football, we build bridges, break barriers, and celebrate togetherness.
‘Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation have made it possible for us to host events like this Eid celebration. Their support goes beyond words; they’ve given us the space and platforms to truly feel part of the club’s community.’
Alongside attendees were participants from Chelsea Foundation’s Premier League Kicks programme. Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential. Working together with the Metropolitan and Surrey Police Forces, Chelsea Foundation delivers one of the largest Premier League Kicks programmes in the country.
Qais Gheyase, a youth inclusion team leader on Chelsea Foundation’s Kicks programme, noted, ‘I'm proud to see that Chelsea truly values and celebrate all faiths and communities. Events like these show the club’s commitment to inclusion and support for everyone.
‘It was especially meaningful to have our Kicks participants attend with their families. Their excitement and joy reflected how impactful and inclusive the event was. It genuinely made them feel part of something special, and that speaks volumes about the care Chelsea extends to the wider community.’
The celebration also included Sheikh Abid Khan, a local imam, delivering a heartfelt speech, highlighting the origins of Eid al-Adha, spoken word poetry by Muslim Belal, and acapella performances from nasheed artists Muad and Safe Adam.
The Muslim Supporters’ Group was founded in 2024 and alongside the club’s Jewish Supporters’ Group, they are supported by Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation and provide a place for Chelsea fans to celebrate their faith with fellow supporters.