Ramadan: Premier League to stop games and allow Muslim players to break fast

Referees in the Premier League and English Football League have been asked to pause evening matches in the UK to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Sky Sports revealed that the refereeing bodies issued guidance to match officials to stop games and allow players to break their fast by drinking liquids or taking supplements and energy gels.

Some of the Premier League's top players are Muslim and known to observe Ramadan, including Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez.

Muslims abstain from eating or drinking, from sunrise to sunset, during Ramadan, a month of worshipping and self-reflection, which is expected to start on Thursday and end around 21 April, depending on the sightings of the moon.

Referees are encouraged to identify any players who are observing Ramadan and need to break their fast during the match before the kick-off.

Sky Sports reported that referees should allow for a "natural pause" to the game, such as a goal kick or a throw-in, and set a rough time for breaking the fast.

Last year, a match between Burnley against Southampton was paused in the first half to allow Southampton's players to break their fast in Ramadan.

In April 2021, the match of Leicester against Crystal Palace was momentarily stopped to alllow Wesley Fofana to break his fast.