What is the ruling on professional football?

Linguistically and technically, "professionalism" is defined as acquiring or seeking a craft for earning a livelihood. It is synonymous with occupation, trade, and work.

However, it is not permissible to issue a fatwa permitting professional football without considering its current reality. Contemporary فقهاء (jurists) observe that playing it may be accompanied by reprehensible matters, such as: 1. Distracting players and spectators from prayer or delaying it. 2. Inciting partisan divisions, rancor, and discord among fans. 3. Players being exposed to severe physical injuries. 4. Deviating from the original purpose of sports, which is physical invigoration and training for jihad. 5. Squandering money wrongfully and being exposed to the temptations of fame and wealth.

Therefore, if the game does not aim to invigorate the body or treat illnesses, or does not cause harm, or does not distract from prayer, or does not consume a long time, then professional football is haram (forbidden) due to the many Shariah prohibitions that accompany it today, especially if it necessitates travel to lands of disbelief and the accompanying temptations.

As for unorganized play by one or two individuals, there is no harm in it, as it does not include the forbidden elements.