The Premier League and the English Football League will again pause matches during Ramadan so Muslim players can break their fast, according to the BBC.
Ramadan starts this week and lasts for a month. During this time, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn until sunset.
Because sunset in the UK falls between about 5pm and 7pm, only some matches are likely to pause. These include Saturday games that start at 5:30pm and Sunday games that start at 4:30pm.
Before each match, team captains and referees will agree if a short pause is needed and roughly when it will happen. Play will only stop at a natural break, such as a goal kick, free-kick or throw-in. It will not be used as a team drinks break or for tactics.
The rule was first introduced in 2021. The first pause happened during a game between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in April that year. The match stopped at a goal kick so players Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate could take on fluids and energy gels.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the main duties in Islam. Muslims fast during daylight hours as part of their faith.
Muslim players are now a strong part of English football. In the 2025–26 season, there are 55 Muslim players in the Premier League. When the league began in 1992, there was only one known Muslim player. Nineteen of the 20 top clubs now have at least one Muslim player in their squad.
Well-known names include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure told BBC Sport in 2023 that players feel supported.
“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 said.
He added that he fasts every day during Ramadan and that clubs provide halal food and adjust meal times, especially during away trips. In 2022, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane said the club changed training times during Ramadan to help Muslim players.
Clubs now plan carefully for the demands of fasting while playing at a high level. Players often use energy gels and sports drinks during the short break to quickly boost their energy. Some teams also help players manage their sleep, as meal times change during Ramadan.
