What is the ruling on playing for a soccer team called the Aztecs, named after the ancient civilization? They were known for their polytheism. Also, the logo of the soccer team is an Aztec bird, and I searched for the Aztec bird on Google, and it showed up as a false deity that they used to worship. Obviously, no one on the team really believes in that religion, but I am still wondering whether it is haram or not.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Playing soccer is permissible in principle provided that it is devoid of Islamic prohibitions, such as exposure of the ‘Awrah (what is between the navel and knee for males) and missing Islamic obligations.

The Standing Committee for issuing Fataawa issued a fatwa which reads, “If the game is without compensation; does not involve neglecting a religious obligation, such as the prayer and so forth; and it does not involve what is forbidden, like uncovering the ‘Awrah, or women mixing with men, or musical instruments, then there is nothing wrong with playing it or watching it.”

As regards what you mentioned about the logo of the team, then if it is known that this logo is a symbol of the idols of the disbelievers, then it is forbidden for you to wear it. Therefore, playing in this team is also forbidden for you if it requires wearing its logo as it is known.

The Standing Committee for issuing Fataawa in Saudi Arabia issued a fatwa which reads:

“There are details about the clothing that bear the logos of non-Muslims, as follows:

1- If these logos symbolize non-Muslim religions such as the cross and the like: then in this case it is not permissible to import these clothes, sell them, or wear them.

2- If these logos symbolize glorifying a non-Muslim person by putting his picture or writing his name and so on: then this is also forbidden like the first case.

3- If these logos do not symbolize worship or glorify a non-Muslim person but they are only permissible trademarks (brands), then there is no harm in them.”

Allah knows best.