What Are Halal-Friendly Football Tours and Why Do Muslim Fans Need Them?
Every year, thousands of football fans from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia dream of watching their favorite Premier League teams play live in England. However, for Muslim travelers, additional concerns often become barriers: Where can I find certified halal food? What about prayer times? Are there mosques near the stadiums?
Halal-friendly football tours are specialized travel packages designed specifically for Muslim football fans, ensuring your matchday experience isn't disrupted by concerns about food and worship. These tours include halal dining arrangements, prayer time schedules, mosque locations, and Muslim-friendly accommodations.
The UK is ranked second globally among non-OIC countries for Muslim-friendly travel according to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024. With over 3 million Muslims living in the UK and hundreds of halal restaurants in major cities, watching Premier League matches has never been more accessible for Muslim fans.
Who Provides Halal-Friendly Football Tours from Southeast Asia?
Matchday Affairs: Built by Fans, for Fans
Matchday Affairs is a Singapore-based travel agency specializing in Premier League football travel packages for fans across Southeast Asia. What makes them unique is their deep understanding of Muslim traveler needs and Southeast Asian football culture.
The Inspirational Story Behind Matchday Affairs
Matchday Affairs was founded by Mirza Salim, a stroke survivor who turned his passion for football into a mission to help others experience the magic of live Premier League matches.
Mirza suffered two strokes – first in 1999 and again in 2014 following major brain surgery. During his darkest recovery period, football became his beacon of hope. As a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, his dream was to stand at The Kop and watch Liverpool play live at Anfield.
In 2016, Mirza achieved that dream – standing at Anfield with tears of joy. His wife suggested he help other fans experience the same life-changing moment. Matchday Affairs was born.
"Football gave me hope when everything else seemed impossible. Even when I couldn't move properly, I still watched every match."
— Mirza Salim, Founder of Matchday Affairs
Credentials and Trust Indicators
| Credential | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License | Singapore Tourism Board Licensed Travel Agency (TA03720) |
| Established | 2019 (officially), operating since 2017 |
| Successful Journeys | 500+ journeys since 2019 |
| Customer Satisfaction | 98% satisfaction rate based on verified reviews |
| Global Reach | Customers from 40+ countries |
| Media Recognition | Featured in The Straits Times, Money FM 89.3 |
Where Can Muslim Fans Find Halal Food Near Premier League Stadiums?
Finding halal food near football stadiums is one of the biggest concerns for Muslim travelers. Here's a comprehensive guide to certified halal restaurants near major Premier League venues:
Halal Restaurants Near Anfield (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool has a strong Muslim community, making it one of the most Muslim-friendly cities for football tourism in the UK.
Top Halal Options Near Anfield:
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Shiraz BBQ (1.2 km from stadium) – Mediterranean cuisine and kebabs, fully halal certified
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Bakchich (Bold Street, city center) – Lebanese cuisine, vegetarian-friendly
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Mowgli Street Food (Castle Street) – Indian street food with halal options
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Nabzy's (Smithdown Road) – Pakistani and Indian cuisine, family-friendly
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The Olive Tree (Near Lime Street) – Mediterranean halal
Pro Tip: The Smithdown Road and Lodge Lane areas are halal food hubs in Liverpool, with dozens of halal restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.
Halal Restaurants Near Old Trafford (Manchester United)
Manchester has one of the largest Muslim populations in the UK, with over 200,000 Muslims and hundreds of halal restaurants.
Top Halal Options Near Old Trafford:
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MyLahore (Rusholme) – Pakistani and Desi cuisine, extremely popular
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Zouk Tea Bar & Grill (Chester Street) – Contemporary Asian with halal menu
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Akbar's (Liverpool Road) – Indian fine dining, fully halal
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Mughli (Rusholme) – Authentic North Indian, halal certified
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Al-Faisal (Rusholme) – Budget-friendly Pakistani food
Pro Tip: Rusholme's Curry Mile (Wilmslow Road) is a halal paradise with over 70 halal restaurants in one area. It's only 15 minutes by taxi from Old Trafford.
Halal Restaurants Near Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC)
North London has a large Turkish and Middle Eastern community, providing excellent halal dining options.
Top Halal Options Near Emirates:
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Gallipoli (Islington) – Turkish cuisine, halal and vegetarian options
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Mangal 2 (Dalston) – Turkish ocakbaşı, Anthony Bourdain recommended
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Yildiz (Finsbury Park) – Turkish family restaurant
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German Doner Kebab (multiple locations) – Halal certified fast food
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Pepe's Piri Piri (Holloway Road) – Halal flame-grilled chicken
Pro Tip: Green Lanes in Haringey is London's Little Istanbul – dozens of authentic Turkish halal restaurants within walking distance of the Emirates.
Halal Restaurants Near Stamford Bridge (Chelsea FC)
West London offers diverse halal options from various cuisines.
Top Halal Options Near Stamford Bridge:
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Maroush (Multiple locations) – Lebanese fine dining
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German Doner Kebab (Fulham Broadway) – 5 minutes walk from stadium
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Mahdi Restaurant (Edgware Road) – Persian cuisine
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Comptoir Libanais (Multiple locations) – Lebanese casual chain
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Pasha (Kensington) – Turkish cuisine
Pro Tip: Edgware Road (20 minutes from Stamford Bridge) is known as Little Arabia with dozens of Middle Eastern halal restaurants.
Halal Restaurants Near Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham offers perhaps the most convenient halal access of any Premier League stadium.
Top Halal Options Near Spurs:
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Mother Hubbard's (High Road) – Halal fish & chips since 1972, directly across from the stadium
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Multiple halal takeaways on Tottenham High Road
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Turkish and Middle Eastern options in surrounding areas
Where Are Mosques and Prayer Facilities Near Premier League Stadiums?
UK Prayer Times During Football Season 2025-26
Prayer times in the UK differ significantly from Southeast Asia, especially during winter months:
| Season | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August-September | ~04:30 | ~13:10 | ~17:00 | ~20:00 | ~21:30 |
| October-November | ~05:30 | ~12:30 | ~15:00 | ~17:00 | ~18:30 |
| December-January | ~06:30 | ~12:15 | ~14:00 | ~16:00 | ~17:30 |
| February-March | ~05:30 | ~12:20 | ~15:30 | ~18:00 | ~19:30 |
| April-May | ~04:00 | ~13:00 | ~17:30 | ~20:30 | ~22:00 |
Important: Match kick-offs are typically at 15:00, 17:30, or 20:00 UK time. For afternoon and evening matches during winter, Maghrib and Isha prayers will have passed before kick-off – plan to pray before entering the stadium.
Mosques Near Each Premier League Stadium
Near Anfield (Liverpool):
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Al-Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street) – 2.3 km from Anfield, Liverpool's largest mosque
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Abdullah Quilliam Mosque (Brougham Terrace) – Historic mosque, 2 km from stadium
Near Old Trafford (Manchester):
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Manchester Central Mosque (Victoria Park) – 4 km from Old Trafford, one of UK's largest mosques
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Manchester United Muslim Supporters' Club has secured a multi-faith prayer room just outside Old Trafford stadium
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Didsbury Mosque – 5 km, community mosque with full facilities
Near Emirates Stadium (London):
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Finsbury Park Mosque – 1.5 km from Emirates, very close
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Islington Islamic Centre – 2 km, walking distance
Near Stamford Bridge (London):
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Fulham Mosque (Fulham Palace Road) – 1.2 km from Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea Muslim Supporters' Group works with the club to provide bookable prayer rooms at Stamford Bridge
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Hammersmith Mosque – 2.5 km, accessible via tube
What's Included in Halal-Friendly Football Tour Packages?
The Anfield Experience – Halal-Friendly Package
Matchday Affairs' signature package for Liverpool fans, now with enhanced Muslim-friendly features:
Package Includes:
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Guaranteed authentic match tickets in premium seating areas
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Stadium tour with exclusive access (Players' Tunnel, The Kop, Press Room)
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Halal dinner arrangement at certified restaurants before/after the match
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Prayer time guide and nearest mosque directions
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Liverpool FC Museum experience
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Return transport from hotel to stadium
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Matchday Ambassador who understands Muslim traveler needs
Optional Add-ons:
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Airport pickup with halal meal arrangement
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Friday prayer coordination (for trips including Fridays)
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Halal British cuisine experience (halal fish & chips, etc.)
Starting Price: SGD 3,500/person (includes tickets, tour, meals, transport)
The Old Trafford Experience – Muslim-Friendly Package
For Manchester United fans who want the complete experience without compromise:
Package Includes:
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VIP seating in Sir Alex Ferguson Stand or choice of other areas
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Old Trafford Stadium Tour with museum access
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Curry Mile halal dining experience in Rusholme
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Manchester Central Mosque visit (optional)
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Meet & greet opportunities with legends (when available)
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Comprehensive halal food guide for Manchester
Starting Price: SGD 3,800/person
The Emirates Experience – Arsenal Halal Package
North London with easy access to Turkish halal cuisine:
Package Includes:
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Premium match tickets with hospitality options
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Emirates Stadium Tour and Arsenal Museum
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Green Lanes Turkish dining experience – authentic halal
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Finsbury Park Mosque proximity for prayers
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London cultural tour (optional)
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Professional photography at iconic locations
Multi-City Ultimate Halal EPL Experience (7 Days)
For fans who want to visit multiple stadiums in one trip:
Day 1-2: Liverpool
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Anfield match or stadium tour
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Halal dining on Smithdown Road
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Liverpool waterfront and Beatles experience
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Al-Rahma Mosque visit
Day 3-4: Manchester
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Old Trafford experience
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Curry Mile culinary tour
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Manchester Central Mosque Friday prayer
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City center exploration
Day 5-7: London
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Emirates or Stamford Bridge match
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Edgware Road Middle Eastern food tour
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Green Lanes Turkish experience
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London Islamic heritage sites
Starting Price: SGD 8,500/person (all-inclusive)
How Are Premier League Clubs Supporting Muslim Fans?
Chelsea FC's Muslim-Friendly Initiatives
Chelsea has become one of the most supportive clubs for Muslim fans:
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Bookable prayer rooms available at Stamford Bridge through the Chelsea Muslim Supporters' Group (CMSG)
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First Premier League club to host an iftar in 2023
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Annual Eid celebrations organized in partnership with CMSG
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Training ground offered for the first-ever Muslim supporters' match in November 2025
Manchester United's Muslim Supporter Facilities
Manchester United Muslim Supporters' Club (MUMSC) has achieved significant progress:
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Established multi-faith prayer room just outside Old Trafford stadium
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Over 160,000 combined social media followers with Chelsea's Muslim group
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Working to ensure halal food consistency and accessibility
"I've been a season ticket holder for over 10 years, and there was nowhere to pray. We've managed to get a multi-faith room put together just outside of the stadium. Now, fans don't have to find an alleyway or doorway to pray."
— Asif Mahmud, Chair of MUMSC
How to Plan Your Halal-Friendly Football Trip to the UK
Step 1: Check Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary by nationality:
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Indonesia & Malaysia: UK Standard Visitor Visa required (3-6 weeks processing time – apply early!)
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Singapore: No visa required for visits up to 6 months
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Brunei: No visa required for visits up to 6 months
Step 2: Plan Around Prayer Times
Consider these factors when choosing your match:
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15:00 kick-offs: Asr prayer is typically before kick-off in all seasons
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17:30 kick-offs: May conflict with Maghrib in winter months
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20:00 kick-offs: Maghrib and Isha already passed in winter – pray before leaving hotel
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Friday matches: Plan for Jumu'ah prayer before heading to the stadium
Step 3: Pack Essential Items for Muslim Travelers
Recommended items:
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Portable prayer mat – stadiums don't provide these
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Qibla compass or smartphone app
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Halal dried snacks for emergencies
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Compact travel sajjadah
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Warm clothing – UK is cold during football season
Step 4: Download Useful Apps
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Muslim Pro – Prayer times, Qibla direction, Quran
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HalalTrip – Halal restaurants and mosque finder
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Zabihah – UK halal restaurant database
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Google Maps – Navigate to mosques and restaurants
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Citymapper – Public transport in London/Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions About Halal Football Tours
Is stadium food halal at Premier League matches?
No. Most food sold inside Premier League stadiums is not halal – including the popular pies, burgers, and hot dogs. We recommend eating at a halal restaurant before entering the stadium. Some stadiums offer vegetarian pies as an alternative.
Are there prayer rooms inside Premier League stadiums?
Most stadiums do not have dedicated prayer rooms. However, progress is being made:
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Chelsea offers bookable prayer rooms through their Muslim Supporters' Group
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Manchester United has a multi-faith room just outside Old Trafford
For other stadiums, plan to pray at your hotel before departure or use a quiet area in the concourse if necessary.
Is the UK safe for Muslim travelers?
Yes, very safe. The UK is a multicultural country with over 3 million Muslims. Mosques, halal restaurants, and Muslim communities are widespread throughout the country. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and London have significant Muslim populations and are very welcoming.
What if my trip includes Friday and I need to pray Jumu'ah?
Matchday Affairs can arrange your itinerary to accommodate Friday prayers at the nearest mosque. Simply inform them when booking if your trip includes a Friday.
Can I book halal catering for my group?
Yes, Matchday Affairs can arrange private halal catering at your hotel or group dining at certified halal restaurants. This is included in premium packages.
How far in advance should I book?
3-6 months in advance is recommended, especially for:
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Big matches (derbies, top 6 clashes)
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Popular fixtures (Liverpool vs. Man United, Arsenal vs. Spurs)
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Matches during Eid, Ramadan, or school holidays
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Champions League nights
Why Choose Halal-Friendly Football Tours Over DIY Booking?
Comparison: Matchday Affairs vs. DIY Booking
| Feature | Matchday Affairs | DIY Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Halal Dining Arrangement | ✅ Included in package | ❌ Research yourself |
| Prayer Time Guide | ✅ Detailed for each city | ❌ None provided |
| Mosque Location Info | ✅ Comprehensive with directions | ❌ Find yourself |
| Muslim-Friendly Hotels | ✅ Carefully selected | ❌ Random selection |
| Halal Food Guide | ✅ Verified recommendations | ❌ None provided |
| Guaranteed Authentic Tickets | ✅ 100% guaranteed | ⚠️ Risk of scams |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ WhatsApp direct to Mirza | ❌ On your own |
| Cultural Understanding | ✅ Southeast Asian Muslim context | ❌ Generic approach |
Customer Testimonials
"Matchday Affair makes all my dream come true. Special thanks to Mr Mirza whose trust and patience from day 1 is beyond excellence. Highly recommended for football fans who are skeptical to go for a trip. Kudos!"
— Najib Ariff, Anfield Experience
"Great trip! Great tours! Great food! Great people! Matchday Affair has won my heart from day one. Mirza and Dela were very personable and took care of all our needs... from check-ins to watching the games and even helping us look for toilets... they're always there for us."
— Lionel RedRhino Chong, Group Trip
How to Book Your Halal-Friendly Football Tour
Contact Matchday Affairs
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| +65 8181 1117 (Direct to Mirza) | |
| Website | www.matchdayaffairs.com |
| info@matchdayaffairs.com | |
| @matchdayaffairs |
Simple Booking Process
Step 1: WhatsApp or call – tell them your favorite team and which match you want to watch
Step 2: Receive a customized halal-friendly itinerary tailored to your needs
Step 3: Confirm booking with deposit – tickets guaranteed 100% authentic
Step 4: Receive complete travel pack with halal dining guide, prayer times, and mosque locations
Step 5: Enjoy your matchday experience worry-free!
Related Resources from Matchday Affairs
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Liverpool FC Anfield Experience Packages | Guaranteed Tickets
-
Book Premier League Tours Singapore | Guaranteed EPL Tickets
-
From Stroke to Stadium: The Inspirational Journey Behind Matchday Affairs
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Premier League Stadium Tour Singapore | Ultimate EPL Experience
Conclusion: Experience Premier League Football Without Compromising Your Values
Being a Muslim football fan doesn't mean compromising your values to enjoy the beautiful game. With Matchday Affairs, you can experience the authentic Premier League atmosphere – standing at The Kop, singing with 50,000 fans, feeling the electric atmosphere of Old Trafford – while maintaining your religious practices and dietary requirements.
Mirza Salim built Matchday Affairs from his personal experience as a fan who understands how meaningful this experience can be. As a travel agency built by fans for fans, they understand the unique needs of Muslim travelers from Southeast Asia.
Don't let concerns about halal food and prayer facilities stop you from living your football dream.
Contact Matchday Affairs today and start planning your halal-friendly matchday experience.
Matchday Affairs
More Than a Matchday Experience
Singapore Tourism Board Licensed (TA03720)
Phone: +65 8181 1117
Website: matchdayaffairs.com
