Premier League, EFL to continue Ramadan fast-break pauses during Matches

The Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) have confirmed they will once again implement short in-game pauses during Ramadan to allow Muslim players to break their fast.

Ramadan, which begins on Wednesday and lasts approximately one month, requires observant Muslims to abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.

In the UK, sunset during this period falls between roughly 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM GMT, meaning evening fixtures are most likely to require brief stoppages.

Under the established protocol, match officials will consult with team captains before kick-off to agree on an approximate time for the pause.

The break is designed to occur during a natural stoppage in play, such as a goal-kick, throw-in, or free-kick, rather than interrupting active passages of the game.

Officials have stressed that these pauses are strictly for players observing Ramadan to take on fluids or energy supplements.

The procedure was first formally introduced in 2021. A notable early example came during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in April of that year, when play was paused to allow Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyaté to break their fast.

The Premier League features several high-profile Muslim players, including Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, and Amad Diallo.

In a 2023 interview, former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure praised the league’s inclusive environment, noting that players are supported in observing their faith.

Similarly, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane previously revealed that clubs have adjusted training schedules during Ramadan to better accommodate fasting players.