Friday saw Molineux host its third Iftar event with the local community, providing an evening of celebration for players, staff, supporters and the people of Wolverhampton.
Following similar events in 2023 and 2024, the period of Ramadan was once again celebrated at Molineux, with 150 people in attendance to break the fast together with a meal after sunset, known as Iftar.
March and April provide a special time of year for many communities, marked by significant moments of reflection, renewal and celebration across a range of faiths and traditions.
This gathering offered a unique chance to experience Iftar as a football club, with the evening providing space for connection. People from all walks of life – different backgrounds, ages, professions or beliefs, but with a connection to Wolves, gathered in WV1 at Molineux for the special event.
Joining staff and supporters in the attendance were young Wolves Academy players and Warinder Juss, Wolverhampton MP, as well as members of the Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Police.
Of those in attendance, 60 per cent were visiting Molineux for the first time and were celebrating not only the significance of this moment in the calendar, but also the spirit of unity that defines our wider community.
The evening was hosted by BBC radio presenter Natalie Graham and began with a word from Wolves on the club’s commitment to inclusion via Chris Roberts, HR director, and Sam Lee, equality, diversity and inclusion lead.
Next on stage were Imam Mohammad Asad, lead Imam at Birmingham Central Mosque, serving the community for over 25 years, and Rev Sarah Scholfield, an ordained Christian reverend since 1997 and lead Chaplain at the University of Wolverhampton and St Peter’s Church. Together, they shared reflections on Ramadan and Lent, and what their rare overlap in 2026 means for our communities this year.
They both then joined the panel discussion alongside Felina Dsouza and Hashma Mustafa, who work for the University of Wolverhampton and are former international students, as well as Zulf Khan, Wolves Foundation head of finance, who has worked at Molineux for 11 years.
Natalie guided panel discussions on topics including fasting, religion in our community, religious misconceptions, supporting those who are fasting and managing faith in a workplace.
Following the discussion, Imam Asad prepared for the call to prayer, while those fasting took the opportunity for some personal reflection. The call to prayer then took place in the stadium bowl at sunset (6.13pm), over the Molineux PA system. Following the Maghrib prayer, the fast was broken, as guests shared a delicious meal provided by Jolly Catering.
Sam Lee said: “The night brought together people from across Wolverhampton’s diverse communities to share an evening of reflection, connection and unity. With Ramadan and Lent aligning this year for the first time in decades, the event offered a rare and meaningful moment to honour the values that sit at the heart of many faiths – compassion, gratitude and service to others.
“We were proud to welcome guests of all backgrounds to break the fast with the pack, learn from one another and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our city. Nights like this remind us that when we come together with openness and respect, we strengthen not only our community, but the spirit which defines Wolves.”
