England’s top two professional football competitions—the Premier League and the English Football League—have once again confirmed special arrangements to accommodate Muslim players observing Ramadan. During the holy month, brief pauses will be permitted in matches to allow fasting players to break their fast at sunset, underscoring the sport’s growing commitment to inclusivity and religious sensitivity.
Ramadan, which began this week, requires Muslims to abstain from food and drink from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar). In the United Kingdom, sunset during this period typically falls between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, depending on geographical location and the progression of the month. This timing frequently coincides with scheduled fixtures, particularly those kicking off at 5:30 pm on Saturdays or 6:30 pm on Sundays. Where necessary, referees will allow a short, carefully managed stoppage at a neutral moment in play—such as when the ball goes out of play—so that fasting players may take on fluids or a light snack, usually dates and water.
League authorities have reiterated that these pauses must not be used as tactical time-outs or extended drinks breaks. The intention is strictly humanitarian: to ensure that players can fulfil their religious obligations without compromising the integrity or flow of the match. Captains and match officials are briefed in advance, and clubs are encouraged to inform referees if players are fasting.
The policy was formally introduced in 2021 and widely praised across the footballing community. One of the earliest high-profile instances occurred in April of that year during a match between Leicester City F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C.. On that occasion, Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyaté were able to break their fast during a natural stoppage in play. The moment was widely shared on social media and hailed as a meaningful gesture of respect within elite sport.
Today, numerous Muslim footballers feature prominently across the Premier League, contributing significantly to their clubs’ success while observing Ramadan. Among the most notable are Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Amad Diallo.
A selection of prominent Muslim players currently active in the Premier League is shown below:
| Player | Nationality | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Forward |
| William Saliba | France | Defender |
| Rayan Aït-Nouri | Algeria | Defender |
| Amad Diallo | Côte d’Ivoire | Winger |
The initiative reflects the increasingly diverse nature of English football. With players, supporters and staff representing a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds, the leagues’ approach demonstrates how professional sport can adapt thoughtfully without diminishing competitive standards. Far from disrupting matches, these brief intervals symbolise mutual respect and the recognition that football, at its highest level, is not only about results but also about shared human values.