In a continuation of last year’s initiative, the Premier League and English Football League are implementing special provisions during the holy month of Ramadan to accommodate Muslim players. The measure allows for brief interruptions in matches so that players observing the fast can break their fast, known as Iftar.
Ramadan is set to begin this week and will last for approximately one month. In the United Kingdom, sunset occurs between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm (GMT) during this period, meaning certain matches may require short pauses around these times—particularly Saturday fixtures kicking off at 5:30 pm and Sunday fixtures starting at 4:30 pm.
As in previous years, team captains and match officials will select suitable moments during the normal flow of the game to allow Muslim players or officials to take a brief Iftar break. Decisions regarding whether a pause is necessary and the precise timing will be agreed upon beforehand by both teams and the match officials.
It is important to note that this pause cannot be used as a tactical timeout or for team hydration purposes. If the game is in active play, it will continue uninterrupted. Instead, Iftar breaks will be taken at natural pauses in the game, such as goal kicks, free-kicks, or throw-ins, providing a short window for players to hydrate and consume energy supplements.
| Year | League | Match Example | Players Involved | Iftar Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Premier League | Leicester City vs Crystal Palace | Wesley Fofana, Cheikhou Kouyaté | ~30 minutes into first half | First official implementation; players had water and energy gels |
| 2022 | Premier League | Various matches | Multiple Muslim players | During natural breaks | Clubs adjusted training schedules to accommodate fasting players |
| 2023 | Premier League | Ongoing | Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Ryan Ait-Nouri, Amad Diallo | As per fixture timing | Supportive club provisions, halal meals prepared for away matches |
The practice was first formally introduced in April 2021 during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, when the game was paused roughly 30 minutes into the first half to allow Fofana and Kouyaté to break their fast with water and energy gels.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslim players abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset as an expression of their faith. Current Premier League Muslim stars include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Ryan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, among others.
In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré praised the league’s approach, saying, “In the Premier League, you can practice your faith freely. Nothing is ever imposed against your beliefs. It’s truly a wonderful thing.” Doucouré added that he fasts every day and that the process has become routine for him, including during away matches when clubs provide halal meals prepared to feel as close to home as possible.
Similarly, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané confirmed in 2022 that clubs often adjusted training schedules during Ramadan to support Muslim players, ensuring they could maintain peak performance while observing their fast.
This initiative reflects the English football authorities’ continued commitment to inclusivity, respecting the religious practices of players while maintaining the integrity of the game.