Premier League and EFL to pause play briefly for Ramadan
The Premier League and English Football League will resume the practice of brief in-game pauses to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their daily fast during Ramadan. Clubs and referees will agree a window for short stoppages ahead of matches where sunset falls during play.
When and how the pauses will happen
Ramadan runs from Tuesday, February 17 to Wednesday, March 18 (ET). With sunset in the UK expected to fall roughly between 12: 00 PM and 2: 00 PM ET during this period, the fixtures most likely to include a short pause are Saturday kick-offs scheduled for 12: 30 PM ET and Sunday kick-offs scheduled for 11: 30 AM ET. Where sunset occurs during a match, club captains and match officials will seek a natural break—such as a goal-kick, throw-in or free-kick—at the earliest convenient moment to allow Muslim players or officials to take quick nourishment and hydrate.
Teams and match officials will discuss beforehand whether a pause is required and will agree an approximate time for any stoppage. The pause is designed to be functional and brief: it will not be used as a team drinks break or a tactical timeout, and play will not be halted in the middle of continuous action. The process aims to balance players' religious needs with the flow and integrity of the contest.
Background and player experience
The practice dates back to a stoppage arranged in 2021 and has been used in subsequent seasons when sunset coincides with match time. Clubs have implemented complementary measures off the pitch as well, adjusting training schedules and catering arrangements to support fasting players—providing halal meals and timing food service to accommodate evening breaking of the fast.
High-profile Muslim players who may use the brief breaks include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo, among others. Players who have fasted while competing at the top level have described how clubs accommodate their needs, from tailored meal times on away trips to changes in training sessions, helping them combine professional demands with religious observance.
Past on-field pauses have been straightforward and cooperative. One early instance saw players rehydrate and take energy gels at a goal-kick after referees and captains agreed a moment to stop. More recently, squads have coordinated internally with match officials to ensure any pause is seamless and respectful of the match environment.
Practical considerations for matchday
Matchday staff will agree main details before kick-off so players know when a pause might occur. Medical teams will be on hand to advise on hydration and nutrition, and club catering teams commonly prepare food that can be consumed quickly and complies with players' dietary requirements. The expectation is that these short breaks will remain rare and limited to fixtures where sunset falls during play.
For fans and broadcasters, any planned stoppage will be minimal in duration and is intended to be barely disruptive to the overarching schedule. The leagues have emphasised that the arrangements are practical accommodations developed over several seasons, designed to respect players' religious commitments while maintaining the competitive flow of fixtures.
Clubs, match officials and players will continue to work together throughout Ramadan to ensure any necessary pauses are handled efficiently and respectfully, preserving the integrity of matches while recognising faith-based needs.
