Is it permissible to watch or engage in sports games?

Answer

It is permissible to engage in sports games with balls like football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, table tennis, handball, etc. It is also permissible to watch such games at the sports stadiums or on various displays and monitors with payment or without payment as long as that does not entail a Haram act, like looking with lust, or neglecting an obligation like prayer (Salat).