The English Premier League, alongside all professional football leagues operating beneath it, is set to reinstate special provisions for Muslim footballers during Ramadan 2026. These established rules will once again allow for temporary stoppages in matches, enabling fasting players to break their fast.
During this particular Ramadan period, sunset in England is expected to occur between 17:00 and 19:00 GMT. This timing means that specific fixtures are likely to be impacted by the fasting breaks, including Saturday matches kicking off at 17:30 and Sunday games starting at 16:30.
Consistent with procedures from previous years, the captains of the two competing teams, in collaboration with the referee, will identify a natural break in play. Such opportune moments could include a goal kick, a free kick, or a throw-in, ensuring minimal disruption to the flow of the game.
Crucially, before any match commences, the two teams and the match official will collectively determine whether a break for fasting is necessary. They will also reach a mutual agreement on the appropriate duration for this brief stoppage, emphasizing pre-match planning and cooperation.
It is important to underscore that this specific rule for a fasting break is distinct. It is neither intended as a general hydration break for all players nor a tactical pause for team discussions, but solely to accommodate players observing Ramadan.
This commitment to inclusivity saw a significant milestone in 2021 when an official agreement was formalized, permitting Muslim players to break their fast during Premier League matches. This historic decision has since become a regular feature of the football calendar.
The inaugural in-game fasting break took place during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in April 2021. The game was temporarily halted around the 30th minute during a goal kick, marking a pivotal moment in the league’s recognition of religious observance.
During that groundbreaking pause, players like Wesley Fofana of Leicester and Cheikhou Kouyate of Crystal Palace were seen breaking their fast. They replenished themselves with water and energy gels, swiftly returning to the action once the break concluded.
Several prominent Muslim stars in the Premier League are expected to benefit from these crucial breaks. This includes Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Arsenal’s William Saliba, and Manchester City full-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri, among others who observe Ramadan.
Former Everton player Abdoulaye Doucoure shared his positive experience with BBC Sport in 2023, stating, “In the Premier League, you are free to do whatever suits your beliefs. They will never do anything against your beliefs and this is good.” His comments highlight the supportive environment fostered within English football.
Doucoure further elaborated on his personal commitment to the fast: “I fast every day, I never miss a day. It’s become normal and very easy for me.” This personal testimony underscores how deeply ingrained Ramadan observance is for many professional athletes.
Detailing the practical support from clubs, Doucoure added, “Training remains the same during Ramadan, but when we go for away games, we might need to eat slower than others, so the chefs prepare meals for us, ensuring everything is just like home. We get halal food so there is no problem.” This showcases the comprehensive support systems in place.
In 2022, former Liverpool star Sadio Mane also revealed how his club proactively adjusted training schedules to provide essential support for their Muslim players throughout the holy month of Ramadan, illustrating a broader commitment across top clubs.
Summary
The English Premier League, along with all professional football leagues, will reinstate special provisions for Muslim footballers during Ramadan 2026. These established rules will allow temporary match stoppages, enabling fasting players to break their fast during fixtures, especially those kicking off between 17:00 and 19:00 GMT. Before each game, team captains and the referee will collaboratively determine if a break is needed and its duration, utilizing natural pauses in play. This specific rule is solely for accommodating players observing Ramadan.
This commitment to inclusivity was formalized in 2021, with the first in-game fasting break occurring in April 2021 during a Leicester City versus Crystal Palace match. Prominent Muslim players are expected to benefit from these breaks, including Mohamed Salah and William Saliba. Clubs have demonstrated significant support, with former players like Abdoulaye Doucoure and Sadio Mane highlighting adjusted training schedules and tailored meal preparations during Ramadan.