Premier League, EFL to pause play briefly during Ramadan to let players break fast
The Premier League and English Football League will again implement short in-game pauses during Ramadan to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their fast. The measure will operate during natural stoppages and applies to fixtures where sunset falls during or shortly after kick-off times.
Which fixtures are most likely to see a pause
Ramadan begins this week and runs for about a month. With sunset in the UK expected to fall roughly between 17: 00 and 19: 00 GMT during this period (about 12: 00–2: 00 PM ET), the matches most likely to incorporate a brief break are Saturday kick-offs at 17: 30 GMT (12: 30 PM ET) and Sunday kick-offs at 16: 30 GMT (11: 30 AM ET). Clubs and match officials will assess individual fixtures ahead of kick-off and agree whether a stoppage is necessary.
How the stoppages will be managed on the pitch
The breaks are designed to be minimal and respectful of the match flow. Captains and referees will agree an approximate moment for any pause before kick-off, and play will be stopped only at the earliest convenient natural stoppage — typically a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in. The pause is strictly for hydration and quick replenishment with energy gels or similar items; it will not be used as a team drinks break or a tactical timeout.
When required, the stoppage will be brief and coordinated so it does not unfairly interrupt momentum. Play will not be halted while the match is in active open play; officials and captains will seek a neutral interruption point to minimise disruption. The approach mirrors measures used in recent seasons when evening fixtures coincided with sunset.
Player experience and club-level support
Muslim players routinely observe Ramadan while continuing to train and play at elite level. High-profile Muslim footballers in the English top tiers include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo, among others, and clubs have developed routines to support them during the month.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has spoken about maintaining his fast throughout the season, noting how clubs adapt logistics such as meal times and catering provision so players can eat halal food and fuel appropriately for matches and travel. Clubs have also adjusted training schedules in past seasons to better align with fasting players’ needs, a practice highlighted by changes made at several teams in recent years.
The practice of pausing play was first used in the top flight in April 2021, when a match was briefly stopped to allow two players to rehydrate at a goal-kick. Since then, the league and clubs have refined how those moments are agreed and executed, making the process a routine part of match management during Ramadan.
League organisers have emphasised that the initiative is a practical accommodation intended to balance religious observance with the integrity of competition. For fans and broadcasters, the pauses are short and planned; for players, they offer a chance to top up energy and fluids at a crucial point in the fixture.
