Premier League and EFL to pause matches briefly for Ramadan breaks
Top-flight and second-tier English football will once again implement short in‑game pauses during Ramadan so Muslim players and match officials can break their fast. The measure, in place for the month, will be used at natural stoppages and is designed to be brief and unobtrusive.
When the pauses will happen (times shown in ET)
Ramadan begins this week and runs for roughly a month. With sunset in the UK falling at roughly 5: 00–7: 00 p. m. GMT during this period, that equates to about 12: 00–2: 00 p. m. Eastern Time. That timing means the fixtures most likely to see a break are Saturday evening kick‑offs at 5: 30 p. m. UK time (12: 30 p. m. ET) and Sunday matches kicked off at 4: 30 p. m. UK time (11: 30 a. m. ET).
Clubs, captains and match officials will discuss in advance whether a pause is required at a given fixture and will agree an approximate moment for the stop. When taken, the interruption will happen at the earliest convenient break in play — for example during a goal‑kick, free‑kick or throw‑in — and match officials will not stop play in the middle of active passages of play.
How the stoppage will be managed on the pitch
The in‑game pause is intended strictly to allow Muslim players and officials to hydrate and consume small energy supplements after sunset. Teams and referees will coordinate pre‑match to set expectations and timing. The stoppage will be short and is not to be used as a tactical timeout or a team drinks break; it’s a welfare measure to help players maintain energy and safety while observing fasting obligations.
Practical arrangements will be handled locally by clubs. Players who fast may have altered meal plans and training times in the weeks leading up to and during Ramadan, and clubs are expected to provide appropriate catering such as later meals and halal options to help manage recovery. Where required, medical staff will be on hand to advise and support players who break their fast during the game.
Background and player perspectives
The brief pause in play was first introduced in 2021 and has since been used without incident. An early example saw a match halted at a goal‑kick roughly a half hour in so two players could replenish with liquids and energy gels before returning to the contest. The approach has been adopted at top levels of English football and is being continued this year across the Premier League and the English Football League.
High‑profile Muslim players in the leagues who may benefit from the arrangement include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Aït‑Nouri and Amad Diallo, among others. Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré described fasting while playing as manageable, saying: "In the Premier League you are free to do whatever suits you. They will never do anything against your faith and this is great. " He added that daily fasting had become normal for him and that clubs often adjust food and travel arrangements to help.
Clubs have also adapted training schedules in past seasons to support players during Ramadan, with some teams moving sessions later in the day or tailoring intensity to match the fasting window. The league and clubs view the brief match stoppages as a complementary, pragmatic solution that balances religious observance with the flow and integrity of matches.
The measure will operate for the duration of Ramadan and is reviewed each year given the shifting calendar of the holy month. Matchday protocols are expected to be applied consistently, prioritizing player welfare while minimizing disruption to fixtures.
