Chelsea FC are one of the most successful football clubs in England’s history dating back 120 years, when brothers Henry ‘Gus’ Mears and Joseph Theophilus birthed the idea of creating Chelsea Football club in 1904. They obtained the deeds for Stamford Bridge looking to turn the athletics venue into a football stadium, but failed to secure a tenant. Instead, the Mears brothers opted to form their own football club and settled naming their club after the adjacent borough of Chelsea on 20th April, 1905.
More recently, the Blues have enjoyed rich success having secured domestic and European titles. Chelsea is also the first club in Premier League history to host an Open Iftar event in 2023, having launched Chelsea FC’s Muslim Supporters Group (CFCMSG). We meet with its founder Zoheb Gaj to find out more on how this story unfolded.
Chelsea 3-0 vs. Barcelona, with one of football’s favourite recipes on the menu
Remember, Remember the 5th of November, when fireworks ignite the UK’s night skies? This year it’s not just the 5th Nov, but also the 25th of November to remember, when more than just fireworks erupted in celebration at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s attacking side looked at their true dynamic best again after matchweek 5. In their 100th Champions League home game, the blues gave their fans the gift of a 3-0 victory against Barcelona.
The victory was sealed by 18-year-old ‘wonderkid’ Estêvão Willian, who lit up the atmosphere for all fans, saying “It was definitely the best moment of my career so far. I want to score many more for many years. I’m so grateful that my family were here watching me.” The fans also voted him Player of the Match and with community player ratings of 9.2 (rated EXCEPTIONAL). The young, gifted Brazilian player has become one of “football’s favourite recipes” (using commentator Clive Tyldesley’s words) fitting for the Nutritionist in me!
Who is Zoheb Gaj?
This monumental event takes us back to the 5th of November itself, when I spoke with Zoheb Gaj, who has revolutionised the fan footprint in the Premier League, as founder of the Chelsea Football Club Muslim Supporters Group.
Zoheb, who is of Zambian heritage, describes himself first and foremost as family-orientated, and it’s evident that he is ambitious, highly driven, and entrepreneurial. He is also quite the polymath, having been recognised among the Top 50 Influential Muslims across Europe for two consecutive years – both in 2024 and now in 2025. Alongside his career in Corporate Finance at KPMG, he is also the proud owner of a children’s nursery and is the first person in the UK to establish a faith-based supporters’ group for fans of a Premier League football club.
Four generations of Zoheb’s family have supported Chelsea FC, but his is the generation paving its way in the history books.
Four generations of Zoheb’s family have supported Chelsea FC, but his is the generation paving its way in the history books.
Three years ago, Zoheb responded to an advert seeking representatives for ethnicity and diversity at the very club he grew up admiring. He submitted the application and thought little more of it, but in 2022 Chelsea FC recognised his potential. They invited him to the club, and he became the individual selected to represent Chelsea FC at board meetings focused on culture, ethnicity, and diversity.
What are the pillars of DEI in football?
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in football aims to ensure fair access, representation, and a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their background, ability, or identity.
Key initiatives include developing strategies to boost representation, creating inclusive cultures that challenge discrimination, implementing policies to support diverse groups, such as disability football, women’s football, and ethnic minorities. This focus helps to make football more accessible, strengthens community connections, and unlocks talent across all levels of the game. Moreover, The FA describes faith and football as being ‘intrinsic’.
Chelsea Football Club Muslim Supporters Group
Chelsea FC already had initiatives to address the match day experience for fans with disabilities, fans aged 60+, so why not a Muslim fan? This is where Zoheb’s M&A (Mergers and Acquisition) skills allowed him to ‘pitch’ a strategy on how to improve the match day experience for Muslim fans.
The Muslim Demographic: Islam as a faith is the second largest religion in the UK and according to the Muslim Council of Britain, the Muslim population increased by 1.2 million between 2011 and 2021. This demographic could be key to improve Chelsea’s fan base and Chelsea FC saw the business benefit.
6 months later, the Chelsea FC Muslim Supporters Group came to fruition as an official group, coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Gaining official recognition means that Chelsea FC also sets aside funding for events for the Muslim Supporters Group.
At the heart of creating the group was to build inter-faith coalitions to combat inequality, particularly through the No to Hate campaign.
At the heart of creating the group was to build inter-faith coalitions to combat inequality, particularly through the No to Hate campaign.
Zoheb says “I’ve founded this group as I envision a vibrant community where our devotion to faith and our club intertwines seamlessly. Together, we celebrate the triumphs on the pitch and uphold the principles of diversity and unity off it – creating a legacy of inclusivity and passion for generations to come. This is an exciting journey for all, and we look forward to welcoming new members to the group with hope that we will provide a voice for Muslim fans all over the world.”
First Eid event on the grounds of a Premier League club
In March 2023, Chelsea FC became the first club to host an ‘Open Iftar’ at a Premier League Stadium, at Stamford Bridge itself. More than 500 attendees joined alongside the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP). The Iftar was open to the local community and supporters. It was also part of Chelsea’s commitment to inclusivity and the “No to Hate” campaign.
In 2024, the Muslim Supporters Group, in partnership with Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Foundation, convened for their first official event to commemorate Eid. Both Muslims and Non-Muslims attended the family event in equal proportion.
The event featured insights from Zoheb, who expressed the group’s mission to forge stronger bonds between faith and football. Chelsea Foundation trustee Louise Jacobs remarked: “At Chelsea, we believe football has a unique power to educate, motivate and inspire. It brings people and communities together across races, genders, creeds and religions – uniting us all in our common love for the game.”
Zoheb emphasised his vision as “a vibrant community where our devotion to faith and our club intertwines seamlessly… creating a legacy of inclusivity and passion for generations to come.”
Eid continues to be celebrated at the club year-on-year, including recognition of Eid ul-Adha.
Player and player care impact
Centre-back Wesley Fofana describes Chelsea as his “dream club.” He also made history in the Premier League when a match was paused so he could break his Ramadan fast while at Leicester City. Wesley fully supports the Muslim Supporters Group and said “I’m so happy about this opportunity for Chelsea’s Muslim community to connect and celebrate their faith as well as their fandom.”
This year in March, Chelsea Academy’s Player Care Team organised a special gathering for Academy players and their families during Ramadan. The Muslim Supporters Group also played a role, providing a Ramadan Gift box for players and their families.
During Ramadan, the group helps players practice their faith, including by navigating a Prayer Room for 1st Team players. It has become a platform for player support and a sounding board for Muslim players across all age groups.
Zoheb shares that “Through faith and football, we build bridges, break barriers, and celebrate togetherness.”
Who owns Chelsea’s pitch?
In the 1980s, Chelsea supporters became owners of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC (CPO) owns the freehold of the stadium and the club’s name. It is the only pitch in English football to be owned by 13,000 fans worldwide. Famous shareholders include Tuchel, Lampard, Mourinho, John Terry and more.
Zoheb says that attracting Muslim supporters is part of the pitch ownership legacy too.
Social media following
November is Islamophobia Awareness Month and Premier League clubs are making identity and football coexist. Chelsea’s Muslim Supporters Group leads in this space and has mentored similar groups at other clubs, including Manchester United.
CFCMSG and MUMSC have over 160,000 followers combined on social media. Chelsea’s group alone has 85,000, with United and Arsenal also growing fast.
Chelsea FC Muslims vs Man Utd FC Muslims
On 29 Nov 2025, Chelsea’s Cobham Training Ground hosted a charity match between Chelsea and Man United Muslim supporters. The event went viral with 47k likes. Chelsea won 7-3, with Zoheb likely playing for the squad too!
What does the future hold for the CFCMSG?
Zoheb says the focus is on long-term, quality initiatives, bigger events, and Ramadan/Eid support. “There is plenty more to come for 2026 and beyond for Chelsea’s Muslim Supporters Group and across the Premier League!”
Read more: Chelsea FC’s Muslim Supporters Group