Premier League and EFL to continue breaks for ramadan
The Premier League and English Football League will once again build brief in-game pauses into fixtures for the month of ramadan so that Muslim players and match officials can break their fast. Clubs and match officials will agree an appropriate stoppage time before kick-off and will take the break at a natural pause in play.
How the pauses will be handled
Matches that finish after sunset are those most likely to feature a pause. With sunset in the UK falling between about 12: 00 and 14: 00 ET during the month, the fixtures most affected are Saturday kick-offs that begin at 12: 30 ET and Sunday kick-offs that begin at 11: 30 ET. Captains and referees will discuss before each match whether a stoppage is required and roughly when it should occur.
The break will not be used as a team drinks interval or a tactical timeout. Play will not be halted mid-flow; the stoppage will be taken at the earliest convenient moment such as a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in. The measure is designed to be quick and discreet so players can rehydrate or take energy supplements before play resumes.
Who this affects and the precedent
Muslim players across the leagues routinely observe ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. High-profile names across the divisions include several international stars, and clubs have in recent seasons adapted training, travel and meal plans to support those observing the fast. Teams have provided tailored meal timings and halal food where needed, and some clubs have adjusted training schedules to protect performance and recovery.
These brief match pauses were first introduced in 2021 and have been used on multiple occasions since. The stoppages are intended to be practical and inclusive, enabling players to continue observing their faith while competing at elite level. Past instances have seen players take only minutes to refresh and return immediately to the contest.
Logistics and locker-room support
Clubs and refereeing teams will set expectations before the game so that the timing and purpose of any break are clear to players, staff and officials. The conversations aim to ensure the pause is handled respectfully and efficiently, with captains helping to identify the right moment in play. Matchday staff typically prepare small amounts of water and energy gels so the interruption remains brief.
Many players describe observing ramadan during the season as manageable when clubs adapt routines. Meal timing, transport plans and the availability of appropriate food all form part of that support. The continued adoption of brief, formalised pauses during fixtures is intended to normalise those adaptations and reduce ad-hoc disruptions on matchday.
As the professional game balances competitive demands with religious observance, the agreed approach delivers a simple, repeatable solution: a short, pre-arranged pause at a natural stoppage to allow fasting participants to hydrate and replenish before play resumes.
