Ramadan: Premier League to pause games to allow Muslim players to break fast during games

During the duration of the holy month of Ramadan, referees in the Premier League and English Football League have been requested to halt evening games in the UK so that Muslim players may break their fast.

According to Sky Sports, the match officials were instructed by the officiating organizations to halt games so that players may break their fast by consuming drinks, taking supplements, or ingesting energy gels.

The finest players in the Premier League, notably Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City, N'Golo Kante of Chelsea, and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, are all Muslims who are known to observe Ramadan.

Ramadan, a month of prayer and introspection for Muslims, is observed by fasting from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is anticipated to begin on Thursday and finish around April 21 depending on moon sightings.

Before the game begins, referees are urged to make note of any players who are following Ramadan and will need to break their fast.

According to Sky Sports, officials should establish an approximate time for breaking the fast and allow for a "natural halt" in play, such as a goal kick or a throw-in.

The first half of a Burnley vs. Southampton game was stopped last year to enable Southampton's players to break their Ramadan fast.

Leicester's game against Crystal Palace in April 2021 was briefly suspended to allow Wesley Fofana to break his fast.