Assala Alaykum ya jamah-l-mulimin.
After the nigeria-tunisia match of sunday, 6th september 2009, i heard the tunis pleaded for a shift in the timing of the match to enable them observe their iftar but they were denied consideration (how true it is; i don't not know). Someone around me was the opinion that since the Qur'am exempted labourers, travellers and others from fasting, they are equally exempted arguing that that is their own way of living and since they play the football professionally, its their job.
I therefore ask, are professional footballers exempted from fasting?