Premier League, EFL To Observe Ramadan Fasting With Mid-Match Pauses

The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches will incorporate brief pauses during Ramadan, enabling Muslim players and officials to break their fast after sunset.

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month where Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk, commences this week and will last for approximately a month. Given that sunset in the UK typically falls between 17:00 and 19:00 GMT during this period, only Saturday 17:30 kick-offs and Sunday 16:30 kick-offs are likely to be affected.

The Premier League clarified the procedure: “Play will not stop while matches are in mid-flow. Instead, at the earliest convenient moment, such as a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in, players and officials observing Ramadan can take a brief pause to hydrate and replenish energy.”

This accommodation has been in place since April 2021, notably during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, which was paused to allow Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate to break their fast. Clubs and match officials will discuss and agree upon the need and timing of any stoppage before each relevant fixture.

An EPL spokesperson stated: “We want to make sure players can perform at their best while observing their faith. These breaks are designed to be practical, brief, and respectful.”

The initiative reflects English football’s continued commitment to accommodating religious practices while upholding the competitive integrity of the game. Notable Muslim players such as Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo are among those who could benefit from these mid-match breaks.