Premier League to Pause Matches for Ramadan Fasting Breaks in 2026
The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches will once again be briefly paused during the 2026 season to accommodate players observing Ramadan. This initiative, which has been in place since 2021, allows Muslim athletes to break their fast and take on nutrients during daylight hours, addressing the challenges of fasting while competing at a professional level.
Ramadan Schedule and Match Impact
Ramadan began earlier this week and is set to conclude on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. During this period, sunset times in the UK are expected to fall between 5pm and 7pm. Consequently, only matches kicking off at 5:30pm on Saturdays or 4:30pm on Sundays will be affected, as these times align with the end of the daily fast.
The first match to feature an in-game break is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, with West Ham hosting Bournemouth at 5:30pm. Players such as West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo and Malick Diouf, along with Bournemouth's Amine Adli and Enes Unal, are among those expected to be fasting.
How the Breaks Will Work
Match officials will coordinate with club captains before kick-off to determine an appropriate time to pause play. The breaks will not interrupt the flow of the game mid-action but will occur at the earliest convenient moment, such as during a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in. This approach ensures minimal disruption while respecting religious practices.
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure praised the Premier League for its inclusive policy, stating in an interview with BBC Sport: "In the Premier League you are free to do whatever suits you. They will never do anything against your faith and this is great. I fast every day, I don't miss any day. It has become normal and very easy for me." He also highlighted the support from clubs, including tailored meal preparations for fasting players during away matches.
Full List of Affected Matches
The following Premier League fixtures are set to include pauses for Ramadan fasting breaks in 2026:
- Saturday, February 21: West Ham vs Bournemouth (kick-off 5:30pm, sunset in London at 5:25pm)
- Sunday, February 22: Tottenham vs Arsenal (kick-off 4:30pm, sunset in London at 5:27pm)
- Saturday, February 28: Leeds vs Manchester City (kick-off 5:30pm, sunset in Leeds at 5:41pm)
- Sunday, March 1: Arsenal vs Chelsea (kick-off 4:30pm, sunset in London at 5:40pm)
- Saturday, March 14: Chelsea vs Newcastle (kick-off 5:30pm, sunset in London at 6:04pm)
- Sunday, March 15: Liverpool vs Tottenham (kick-off 4:30pm, sunset in Liverpool at 6:15pm)
Ramadan occurs annually during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with the next observance scheduled for February and March 2027. The Premier League's continued commitment to this policy underscores its efforts to promote inclusivity and support for diverse religious practices within the sport.
