The ruling on competing in football matches for a monetary prize

The questioner:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. A questioner asks: Is it permissible to compete in football matches for a monetary prize that the competitors put up?

The Shaykh:
Why?

The questioner:
Is it permissible to compete in football matches for a monetary prize that the competitors put up?

The Shaykh:
It is not permissible. All prizes are from gambling, except for what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) excluded: competing in horses, camels, or archery. This is because it is training for jihad in the path of Allah, so it is permissible to take prizes for it. There is no racing except with a spear, a hoof, or a horse. Anything beyond that is from gambling and maysir (gambling), and it is not permissible. It is consuming wealth unjustly. Yes, and not every competition is permissible to take a reward for. In competitions that are permissible, such as walking races, running races, and wrestling matches, these are permissible, but taking a prize for them is forbidden.