Premier League and EFL to pause play briefly for Ramadan fast‑breaking
The Premier League and English Football League will again allow short, scheduled pauses during matches this Ramadan so Muslim players and match officials can break their fast. Clubs and match officials will agree an approximate stoppage time before kick-off, with the interruptions limited to natural pauses in play.
Which fixtures are affected and how times convert to ET
Sunset in the UK during this period falls roughly between 5: 00 p. m. and 7: 00 p. m. local time, which converts to about 12: 00 p. m. –2: 00 p. m. ET. That timing means the fixtures most likely to see a brief pause are Saturday kick-offs that begin at 12: 30 p. m. ET and Sunday kick-offs that start at 11: 30 a. m. ET. Evening matches that finish after sundown are unlikely to require an in‑game stoppage for breaking the fast.
Matchday procedures will see club captains and the referee identify a natural point in the match—such as a goal-kick, throw-in or free-kick—when play can be halted for a short period. The break is intended solely to allow players and officials to hydrate or take small energy supplements and is explicitly not to be used as a tactical timeout or a team drinks break.
How clubs and players will manage the stoppage
Teams and match officials will discuss beforehand whether a pause is necessary and agree an approximate minute for it. Play will not be stopped during live action; the interruption will occur at the earliest convenient moment when the ball is out of play. The measure mirrors steps adopted in recent seasons to balance competitive fairness with players' religious observance.
Clubs typically make additional provisions during the month of Ramadan, adjusting training schedules, meal timing and nutrition plans to support fasting players. Several high-profile Muslim players across the top divisions are expected to benefit from the short in‑game breaks. There is a precedent for this practice: the first scheduled mid-match fast break in the top flight took place in April 2021, when a match was paused around the half-hour mark to allow two players to rehydrate and consume energy gels.
Players have publicly described the arrangements as practical and respectful. Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure said in 2023 that he fasts every day during Ramadan and that club support—such as tailored meals and adjusted training—has made the process manageable at elite level.
Why the pauses matter for the game
The brief stoppages aim to ensure player welfare without disrupting the integrity of matches. By confining any pause to moments when the ball is out of play and pre-agreeing an approximate time, officials seek to minimise any competitive imbalance. The approach also acknowledges religious practice within a demanding professional schedule, allowing players to observe their faith while continuing to compete at the highest level.
Leagues and clubs stress that the measure is limited in scope and temporary for the duration of the holy month. It will be overseen by match officials and shaped by conversations with team captains so that the game remains the priority while offering reasonable accommodation for those observing Ramadan.
