The Premier League and the English Football League will once again observe Ramadan by allowing brief pauses during matches so Muslim players can break their fast.
Ramadan, the holy month in Islam, requires Muslims to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. In the United Kingdom, sunset during this period falls between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. GMT. As a result, only fixtures with late afternoon or early evening kick-off times such as Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. and Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. matches are likely to require a short stoppage.
Following established procedures introduced in recent years, match officials and team captains will agree in advance if a pause is necessary and roughly when it could occur. The game will not be halted during active play; instead, referees will wait for a natural break, such as a goal kick, throw-in, or free kick, before allowing players observing the fast to take fluids or energy supplements.
The first formal Ramadan pause in English top-flight football took place in April 2021 during a league match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Play was briefly stopped around the half-hour mark to enable Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyaté to break their fast.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Several Muslim footballers currently feature in the Premier League, including Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, among others.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure previously praised the league’s inclusive approach, noting that players are fully supported in observing their faith. He explained that clubs make practical arrangements during Ramadan, including providing halal meals and adjusting meal times, particularly during away fixtures.
Similarly, ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane revealed in 2022 that the club adapted training schedules during Ramadan to accommodate Muslim players.
The continued practice reflects English football’s broader commitment to inclusivity and respect for religious observance, ensuring that players can balance professional commitments with their faith.
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