Premier League Introduces Ramadan Breaks to Support Muslim Players

The Premier League (EPL) and English Football League (EFL) will implement brief match pauses during the Holy Month of Ramadan, allowing Muslim players to break their fast without disrupting the game.

According to Global Mirror News gathered from BBC Sport, Ramadan—the Islamic month of fasting from dawn to sunset—begins this week and lasts nearly a month.

During this period, sunset in the UK typically occurs between 17:00 and 19:00 GMT, meaning only select fixtures, such as Saturday 17:30 and Sunday 16:30 kick-offs, are likely to be affected.

The EPL clarified the procedure for these pauses: “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 system has been in place since April 2021, when a Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace match paused at a goal-kick to allow Muslim players to break their fast. During that game, Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate were able to hydrate and consume energy gels shortly after sunset.

Before each relevant fixture, clubs and match officials discuss the stoppage, deciding whether it will be necessary and roughly when it should happen. The initiative aims to respect religious observance while maintaining the natural flow of the game.

“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 EPL said, underscoring the league’s commitment to inclusivity.