Delaying the prayer to watch a football match?

(This fatwa is not limited to a football match only)

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“As for delaying the prayer just because one wants to watch a game; then I, By Allaah, advise you as a compassionate brother, do not spend your precious time in watching a game because I do not know of any goodness for you in that – neither in this world, nor in the hereafter. Rather, it is only wasting of time. Moreover, in many of these matches, as per what we have heard, the private parts are uncovered. One finds them wearing shorts which would reach only half their thighs or something similar, while they are youths. No doubt, youths will become a Fitnah if they uncover their thighs. On the other hand, in these games, the spectators support and praise a person with such praises which he is unworthy of (especially when he is a Kaafir).

Therefore, I wish that you instead gather for learning something beneficial, like Riyaadh al-Saaliheen or some other books in which there is benefit and rectification of the hearts and actions. And as you know that the lifespan is limited and a person does not know when he will run out of time. So make benefit of the opportunity (that you have been given). Baarak Allaahu feekum.”

[Majmoo` Fataawa of Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen (15/37)]