The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches during Ramadan will include brief pauses to allow Muslim players and match officials break their fast after sunset.
According to BBC Sport, the short stoppages will only affect fixtures that clash with sunset, particularly Saturday 17:30 and Sunday 16:30 kick-offs. Play will pause at a natural break in action — such as a goal-kick or throw-in — allowing observing players to quickly hydrate and take energy supplements without disrupting the flow of the game.
The initiative, first introduced in 2021 during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, reflects English football’s effort to respect religious observance while maintaining competitive integrity, with stars like Mohamed Salah, William Saliba and Amad Diallo among those who could benefit this month.
