The Premier League and English Football League will resume their Ramadan procedures this week, allowing brief pauses in matches so Muslim players and match officials can break their fast after sunset .
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, begins this week and lasts for about 30 days. During this period, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. With sunset in the UK falling between approximately 17:00 and 19:00 GMT, only Saturday’s 17:30 kick-offs and Sunday’s 16:30 kick-offs are expected to require a pause in play .
Club captains and match officials will discuss before each relevant fixture whether a stoppage is needed and agree on an approximate time. Play will not stop during active sequences but will pause at the earliest natural moment, such as a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in .
The procedure was first introduced in April 2021 during a Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, when the game was paused at a goal-kick around the half-hour mark to allow Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate to replenish with liquids and energy gels .
“We want to make sure players can perform at their best while observing their faith. These breaks are designed to be practical, brief, and respectful,” the Premier League stated .
Notable Muslim players in English football who may benefit include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, among many others . According to one count, there are 55 Muslim players in the Premier League for the 2025-2026 season .
Former Everton player Abdoulaye Doucoure told BBC Sport in 2023: “In the Premier League you are free to do whatever suits you. They will never do anything against your faith and this is great. I fast every day, I don’t miss any day. It has become normal and very easy for me” .
In 2022, former Liverpool player Sadio Mane also revealed that the club adjusted training schedules to support their Muslim players during Ramadan .
