English Football to Introduce Ramadan Breaks During Matches

English Football to Introduce Ramadan Breaks During Matches

The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) will resume their Ramadan procedures this week, pausing matches briefly to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the holy month.

Ramadan requires Muslims to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. In the UK, sunset during this period ranges from about 17:00 to 19:00 GMT, meaning only Saturday’s 17:30 kick-offs and Sunday’s 16:30 kick-offs are expected to see a temporary pause in play.

How Ramadan Breaks Are Implemented

Club captains and match officials will coordinate to find a natural stoppage in the game, such as a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in, allowing Muslim players and officials to replenish themselves with liquids and energy gels. Play will not stop mid-sequence; the pause occurs at the earliest convenient moment.

The first official pause for fasting players took place in April 2021 during a Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, when Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyaté were allowed to hydrate and refuel at a goal-kick around the 30th minute.

Supporting Muslim Players in English Football

Fasting during daylight hours is one of the five pillars of Islam, reflecting devotion to the religion. Prominent Muslim players currently in the Premier League include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo.

Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré shared his experience in 2023:

“In the Premier League you are free to do whatever suits you. They will never do anything against your faith and this is great. I fast every day, I don’t miss any day. Training is still the same during Ramadan but when we go for away matches, we might need to eat later than the others so the chef prepares food for us, making sure everything is in place as at home. We get halal food so there are no problems.”

Similarly, in 2022, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane revealed that training schedules were adjusted to support Muslim players during Ramadan.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do English football matches pause during Ramadan?

Matches briefly stop to allow Muslim players and officials to break their fast, ensuring they can hydrate and maintain performance levels.

Which Premier League players observe Ramadan?

Current Muslim players include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo.

How is the break implemented during matches?

The pause occurs at a natural stoppage like a goal-kick, throw-in, or free-kick, ensuring the game flow is not disrupted.