Premier League and EFL to continue short Ramadan breaks during matches
Both the top flight and the English Football League will revive their Ramadan procedures this season, allowing brief pauses in play so Muslim players and match officials can break their fast. The month of observance runs from Tuesday, February 17 to Wednesday, March 18 (all dates/times ET) and clubs have been reminded to coordinate with referees before matches where sunset may fall during play.
How the in-game pause will work
Team captains and match officials will agree an approximate time for any necessary stoppage prior to kick-off. Play will not be halted abruptly while the ball is in play; instead, the pause will be taken at the earliest convenient break such as a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in. Match officials will not allow the Ramadan pause to be used as a drinks break or a tactical timeout.
In practical terms, the only fixtures likely to require a pause are late Saturday kick-offs and some late-afternoon Sunday kick-offs. Examples include Saturday matches scheduled for 5: 30 PM GMT (12: 30 PM ET) and Sunday contests scheduled for 4: 30 PM GMT (11: 30 AM ET). Clubs with Muslim players will discuss whether a pause is required and confirm an approximate timing with the referee during the pre-match meeting.
Which fixtures could be affected this weekend
With sunset in the UK falling between roughly 5: 00 PM and 7: 00 PM GMT during Ramadan, the fixtures most likely to see a brief delay are those that overlap with dusk. If requested by a player or match official, captains and referees will identify a natural stoppage near sunset to allow for a quick intake of fluids or energy gels, enabling participants to continue competing safely.
Managers and club staff will typically plan for these contingencies in advance. Teams will not be granted additional stoppages beyond what is agreed beforehand, and referees retain discretion to ensure the pause is handled fairly and does not disrupt the match’s integrity.
Player experiences and club support
Clubs have adapted practises in recent years to help Muslim players manage training and match demands during Ramadan. Adjustments have included altered training schedules, tailored meal timing, and the provision of halal food for players who fast. Many players say the changes make it easier to combine professional duties with religious observance.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has spoken about his own experience of observing Ramadan while playing: "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 but when we go for away matches, we might need to eat later than the others so the chef prepares food for us, making sure everything is in place as at home. " His comments underline how clubs and individuals adapt to maintain performance while respecting faith.
The in-match pause was first used as an agreed procedure in 2021 and has since been adopted on an annual basis when Ramadan overlaps with the playing calendar. Examples from past seasons show the stoppage is short and focused on hydration and quick nutritional top-ups, enabling players to return to action immediately thereafter.
As the month progresses, teams and match officials will continue to liaise closely to ensure the agreed protocol is implemented smoothly, balancing the needs of faith with the flow of the competition.
