Rabat—The English Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that they will once again implement short match pauses during the holy month of Ramadan to allow Muslim players, and officials if needed, to break their fast when sunset occurs during gameplay.
Ramadan begins between February 18-20, 2026 and runs until March 19, 2026, a period during which Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset as part of their religious practice. During this time, players who are fasting will be permitted to briefly consume food, fluids or energy supplements at sunset without compromising the flow of the match.
🚨 The Premier League is resuming its procedures for Ramadan.
Short pauses will be allowed during matches to enable Muslim players to break their fast. ☪️ pic.twitter.com/Z1WZ99bPiD
— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) February 17, 2026
How the breaks work
According to league guidelines, play will not be stopped mid‑flow. Instead, captains and referees will agree before kickoff on a natural pause in the game, such as a goal kick, free kick or throw-in, that most closely aligns with sunset. At that moment, players observing Ramadan will be allowed to hydrate and eat quickly before the match continues.
This approach is designed to be brief and seamless, balancing respect for religious observance with competitive integrity. It’s the same procedure first introduced in 2021, when a Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace was briefly paused so players could break their fast once the sun set.
Before each match that could require a Ramadan break, team captains and match officials will discuss whether a stoppage is needed and agree on an approximate time for it. The break is intended to support player welfare and allow athletes to maintain their physical condition without disrupting the competitive nature of the game.
Because sunset times in the United Kingdom during Ramadan typically fall between about 17:00 and 19:00 GMT, the matches most likely to include such pauses are weekend fixtures with afternoon or early evening kick‑offs (such as Saturday 17:30 and Sunday 16:30).
Allowing these brief Ramadan breaks in matches is a practical approach to look out for the players and keep the game inclusive while respecting their religious traditions.
