In a renewed gesture of inclusivity, the English Premier League and the English Football League have announced special measures to accommodate Muslim players during the holy month of Ramadan. Matches will now feature brief stoppages to allow players observing fasting to break their fast at sunset.
Ramadan, which commenced this week, sees Muslims abstaining from food and drink from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). In the United Kingdom, sunset during this period typically occurs between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, depending on the date and location. Consequently, fixtures starting around 5:30 pm on Saturdays or 6:30 pm on Sundays may include temporary pauses to facilitate iftar.
Following the precedent set last year, team captains and match officials will ensure that Muslim players and staff have the opportunity to break their fast. These pauses are intended solely for religious observance and cannot be utilised as team drinking breaks or strategic time-outs. Matches will resume promptly after the brief stoppage, with the rhythm of play preserved.
The initiative was first officially implemented in 2021. During an April fixture between Leicester City F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C., Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyaté broke their fast during a brief, referee-sanctioned stoppage. The initiative received widespread praise and has since become a recurring feature of the league’s calendar.
Currently, several high-profile Muslim players compete in the Premier League, including Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Amad Diallo. Their participation during Ramadan underscores the league’s commitment to balancing athletic performance with religious observance, while clubs make tailored arrangements to support players’ nutrition and hydration needs.
The table below summarises the Premier League’s Ramadan-specific match protocols:
| Protocol | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of pause | Short, referee-controlled stoppage |
| Purpose | Allow Muslim players to break fast |
| Timing | Coordinated with sunset (Maghrib) |
| Restrictions | Not to be used as strategic timeout or drink break |
| Supervisors | Match referees and team captains |
By integrating these pauses into the fixture schedule, English football demonstrates both cultural sensitivity and a commitment to player welfare. The measure highlights that professional sport can honour religious observances without compromising the competitive spirit or pace of play.
This initiative has been widely welcomed by players, clubs, and fans alike, reinforcing the Premier League’s role as a global, inclusive platform where athletic excellence and cultural respect coexist.
