In a continuation of a progressive approach initiated in previous years, the English Premier League (EPL) and the English Football League (EFL) will implement special arrangements during the holy month of Ramadan, allowing Muslim players to break their fast during matches through short, designated pauses.
Ramadan begins this week in the United Kingdom and will continue for approximately one month. During this period, sunset—the traditional time for Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast—occurs between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm GMT. Consequently, matches scheduled around these times, such as Saturday’s 5:30 pm kick-offs or Sunday’s 4:30 pm fixtures, may require brief interruptions to enable players to observe their religious practices.
How the Iftar Break Works
Similar to previous years, the decision to implement an Iftar pause will be made collaboratively by the team captains and match officials. The break is designed to coincide with natural stoppages in play, such as goal kicks, free kicks, or throw-ins, rather than being used for tactical time-outs or team hydration breaks. If play is continuous, no interruption will occur.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiation | Collaborative decision by team captains and match officials |
| Timing | During normal stoppages such as goal kicks, free kicks, or throw-ins |
| Duration | Short pause to allow consumption of fluids or energy gels |
| Restrictions | Cannot be used as tactical timeout or team water break |
| First Implementation | April 2021: Leicester City vs Crystal Palace |
| Players Benefiting | Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Ryan Ait-Nouri, Amad Diallo, among others |
The first formal use of this arrangement occurred in April 2021 during a Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Around half an hour into the first half, Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyaté briefly paused play to consume drinks and energy gels for Iftar.
Observing Faith at the Highest Level
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, symbolising devotion and spiritual discipline. Muslim footballers in the Premier League, such as Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Ryan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, continue to observe fasting while training and playing at the top level.
In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré reflected on his experience:
“In the Premier League, you can practice your faith freely. Nothing is ever imposed against your beliefs. It’s genuinely brilliant.”
He added:
“I fast every day without skipping a single one. It has become a natural part of my routine. Training during Ramadan continues as usual. Occasionally, during away matches, I may eat slightly later than others. The chef prepares meals specifically for us so that it feels like home, with all food being halal, which removes any concern.”
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané also noted in 2022 that clubs made adjustments to training schedules during Ramadan to support Muslim players in maintaining their fasts without compromising performance.
This initiative underscores English football’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that players of all faiths can perform at their best while respecting their religious obligations.