Religious leaders back the FA's champagne ban: 'Such a move can only be seen as a positive step in the direction of inclusiveness' The Daily Mail revealed that the FA have abandoned the congratulatory gesture It was srcapped so not to offend stars whose religious beliefs forbid alcohol use The move by FA has been met with some criticism recently on social media The FA's change in protocol was substantially backed by various figures howeverBy Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail Published: 21:00 BST, 24 April 2019 | Updated: 21:00 BST, 24 April 2019 Viewcomments The Football Association's decision to scrap their tradition of awarding the FA Cup winners a case of champagne out of respect for players' religious beliefs has received widespread support. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed on Tuesday that English football's governing body have abandoned the congratulatory gesture so not to offend players whose religious beliefs forbid alcohol use. The Muslim faith strictly prohibits alcohol, while it is not recommended in other religions. The FA have abandoned their tradition of awarding the FA Cup winners a case of champagne The move has been met with some criticism on social media, with many feeling the FA are being over politically correct. But the FA's change in protocol was substantially backed by various figures on Wednesday. In statement provided to Sportsmail, Anas Altikriti, president of the Muslim Association of Britain, offered his full backing to the FA's change in policy. 'Such a move can only be seen as a positive step in the direction of inclusiveness and opening the game to everyone whilst accommodating for their different backgrounds and beliefs,' said Altikriti. A statement from the Muslim Council of Britain read: 'We have all recently seen high profile discriminatory incidents in men's and women's football towards players from many diverse communities including those from the Muslim faith. 'This policy change by The FA is a welcome move which allows for a more inclusive celebration for the winning teams and hopefully a more inclusive game in the future.' Rabbi Alex Goldberg, who chair's the FA's Faith Network, told Sportsmail: 'Anything that encourages inclusivity, for people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds to join the national sport is positive. The change in protocol was substantially backed by various religious leaders on Wednesday 'Celebrating with champagne made sense some time ago, but the FA are moving to protect diversity. 'One thing football does is unite people, we need messages that shows everyone is welcome to play.' Piara Powell, executive director of the Fare network - an organisation that combats inequality in football - also endorsed the FA's move. 'The FA has made a judgement as to whether leaving a crate of champagne in the dressing room of the FA Cup winning team is in keeping with the message they want to send out about a more inclusive sport. I think it is a sound decision. 'Some people may be unhappy that football is bending over backwards to accommodate minorities but I see no harm in this type of gesture. Let's recognise it for the positive signal that it is.' Broadcaster Jim White, who has publicly spoken of his struggles with alcohol, said on talkSPORT: 'For me this is absolutely right. 'They have won the FA Cup and in the mood to celebrate, but do we need to see them spraying champagne around, do we need to see them celebrating with alcohol? 'Are alcohol and sport a bad mix? Yes, for me it breeds an abusive culture. If you encourage the image of the players celebrating with booze, even falling about with alcohol, then some fans feel it's appropriate to follow their example.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility