As Ramadan begins this week (starting the evening of February 17, 2026), the Premier League and EFL have confirmed they will maintain the tradition of allowing brief in-game pauses for Muslim players and officials to break their fast.
This practice, which became formal in 2021, ensures that elite athletes like Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, and Amad Diallo can hydrate and replenish their energy levels without disrupting the competitive integrity of the match.
How the Breaks Work
The process is designed to be seamless and respectful, relying on coordination between team captains and match officials before kick-off.
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Natural Stoppages: Play is never stopped during active “open” play. Instead, officials wait for a natural break, such as a goal-kick, throw-in, or free-kick.
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Pre-Match Agreement: Captains notify the referee if any players are fasting. They then agree on a rough time for the pause based on when sunset (Maghrib) occurs.
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Quick Replenishment: Players typically take a few seconds to consume water, isotonic drinks, or energy gels before immediately resuming play.
Key Matches Affected (February – March 2026)
Because sunset in the UK during this period falls between 17:15 and 18:30 GMT, the breaks primarily impact specific kick-off slots where the sun sets during the second half or late in the first half.
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Saturday Fixtures: Primarily the 17:30 GMT televised games.
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Sunday Fixtures: The 16:30 GMT “Super Sunday” slots.
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Midweek Games: Evening matches (starting around 19:30 or 20:00) usually allow players to break their fast just before kick-off or during the pre-match warmup.
“In the Premier League, you are free to do whatever suits your faith. They will never do anything against it, and this is great,” former Everton star Abdoulaye Doucouré famously noted, highlighting the league’s inclusive approach.
Looking Ahead
Ramadan 2026 is expected to conclude around March 18 or 19, leading into the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Until then, these brief moments of reflection and replenishment will remain a quiet but powerful symbol of the diversity within English football.