Premier League and EFL to pause play briefly during Ramadan to allow players to break fast
Top-flight and second-tier clubs in England will once again allow short, planned stoppages during matches for Muslim players and match officials to break their fast during Ramadan. The initiative will be used at natural pauses in play and is not intended as a tactical timeout or a drinks break.
How the breaks will work
Clubs and match officials will meet before kick-off to agree whether a pause is needed and to set an approximate time for it. Play will only halt at the earliest convenient moment during a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in so action is not stopped while the ball is in play. Captains and referees will find a natural lull in the game to allow those observing the fast to rehydrate and take energy supplements.
With sunset in the UK expected to fall between roughly 5: 00 p. m. and 7: 00 p. m. GMT during the month, the windows most likely to be affected are Saturday 5: 30 p. m. kick-offs (12: 30 p. m. ET) and Sunday 4: 30 p. m. kick-offs (11: 30 a. m. ET). The pause is designed to be brief and focused solely on allowing players to take on fluids and quick energy so they can continue competing safely.
Background and reactions
The measure has been used in recent seasons and traces back to a first sanctioned stoppage in April 2021, when play was paused at a goal-kick to allow two senior players to drink and take on quick nourishment. Clubs have also put internal arrangements in place: teams often adjust training schedules, provide halal food, and prepare meals or snacks so players can manage their nutrition while observing the fast.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has described the practice as straightforward and supportive, noting that fasting has become a normal part of his routine and that teams adapt travel and catering arrangements to meet players' needs. Other high-profile Muslim players across the divisions who may make use of the breaks include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo, among others.
Clubs and match officials stress that these pauses are for religious observance and player welfare only. The stoppage will not be exploited as a tactical ploy or a second drinks break; its sole purpose is to help athletes manage hydration and energy at the moment sunset falls during evening kick-offs.
Sporting and welfare implications
Allowing structured, short pauses during specific kick-offs is aimed at balancing the integrity of competition with the personal and religious needs of players and officials. Sports scientists and team medical staff have highlighted the importance of controlled rehydration and carbohydrate top-ups in maintaining performance and reducing injury risk when athletes fast during daylight hours.
While clubs will continue to tailor training loads and nutrition plans through the month, match-day protocols give teams the clarity to plan around a brief pause without disrupting the flow of fixtures. The practice also reflects growing efforts across the game to accommodate religious diversity and ensure all players are supported when fixtures fall during important observances.
Officials and captains will coordinate the timing on match day, and supporters can expect any stoppages to be discreet and brief — a practical adaptation designed to let players observe their faith and then resume the competition promptly.
