✍️ By Teju/ February 16, 2026/ 6:13pm

In a move celebrated by many fans and players alike, Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches played during Ramadan this year will include brief pauses to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their fast after sunset. 

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month observed by millions around the world, requires fasting from dawn until sunset, meaning no food or drink during daylight hours. With the holy month beginning this week and lasting around a month, the football authorities have agreed to adapt matchday routines to respect the religious practice. 

Under the arrangement, matches won’t be stopped mid-play, but officials will find a natural break, such as goal kicks, free kicks or throw-ins, after the sun has set to allow fasting players to hydrate and replenish energy. 

Because sunset in the UK during this period typically falls between late afternoon and early evening, certain kick-off times (like Saturday 17:30 and Sunday 16:30) are most likely to feature these short pauses. Teams and referees will agree before matches whether a break will be needed and roughly when it should occur based on local sunset times. 

This practice isn’t entirely new: the first known in-match break in a Premier League game took place in 2021 when then-Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana and Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate were permitted to briefly eat and drink after sunset during a clash between their sides. 

The decision reflects growing efforts by football authorities to balance religious observance with elite sport, recognising the diverse faiths and cultures represented within modern leagues. Supporters and players have largely welcomed the move as a sign of respect and inclusivity in the beautiful game.