Premier League and EFL to pause matches briefly to allow Ramadan Iftar breaks
League organisers will reintroduce their in-game Ramadan procedure this week, allowing Muslim players and match officials a short, pre-agreed pause to break their fast at sunset. The month of fasting runs from Tuesday, February 17 to Wednesday, March 18 (ET), and the only fixtures likely to be affected are late-afternoon and early-evening kick-offs: Saturday's 12: 30 p. m. ET slot and Sunday's 11: 30 a. m. ET slot.
What will happen on matchday
Club captains and match officials will discuss whether a stoppage is required before kick-off and agree an approximate time for a brief pause. Play will not be halted while the ball is in active movement; the break will take place at the next convenient natural stoppage, typically a goal-kick, throw-in or free-kick. The stoppage is intended for quick hydration and energy supplements, not as a tactical timeout or a team drinks break.
Matches that span sunset are the ones most likely to include this short pause. With sunset times in the United Kingdom falling in the late afternoon across the month, organisers have identified the Saturday 12: 30 p. m. ET and Sunday 11: 30 a. m. ET fixtures as the windows when an Iftar pause might be requested. Teams and officials will plan in advance so the interruption is orderly and minimal, limiting any impact on the flow and competitiveness of the game.
Past practice and player support
The practice was first used in 2021 and has been deployed in subsequent seasons when fixtures coincided with sunset. There have been several in-match Iftar pauses in recent years, including a notable stoppage in 2021 and further instances in 2024, when players took the opportunity to rehydrate and replenish energy during a natural lull in play.
Clubs often complement the league procedure with their own support measures. Altered training schedules, tailored meal timing and provision of halal food are among the steps teams take to help players manage fasting while maintaining performance levels. Some clubs have arranged for meals to be available later on matchdays so players can eat after sunset when travel or other logistics make standard arrangements impractical.
Players who observe the fast have spoken about the practicalities of combining faith and professional sport. One midfielder, reflecting on his experience of fasting while playing and training, said in 2023: "I fast every day, I don't miss any day. It has become normal and very easy for me. Training is still the same during Ramadan... My religion is the most important thing in my life - I put my religion first, then comes my work. You can do both together and I am happy with that. " Such comments underline the personal importance of the accommodation and the willingness of teams and officials to make small adjustments.
High-profile Muslim players active in the top two tiers include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo, among others. Clubs with Muslim players may opt to request an Iftar pause when sunset coincides with a match, and referees will facilitate the short break where appropriate.
Organisers stress that any stoppage will be brief and managed professionally so it does not compromise the match. The arrangement aims to respect religious observance while preserving the integrity and tempo of competition.
