The Premier League and English Football League will maintain their established procedure permitting Muslim players to temporarily break their Ramadan fast during matches this season. This accommodation, first introduced in 2021, enables teams with observing players to coordinate with match officials to identify a natural pause in play for those individuals to consume food or energy supplements.
How Ramadan Accommodations Work in Football
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. In the United Kingdom this year, Ramadan spans from Tuesday 17 February to Wednesday 18 March. This weekend, sunset in England is projected to occur around 5:30pm GMT.
Consequently, if formally requested by the participating clubs, there could be a brief interruption in play following sunset during Sunday's late afternoon fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. This potential pause would allow observing players to partake in Iftar, the traditional evening meal that breaks the daily fast.
Muslim Players in the Premier League
The Premier League features numerous Muslim players who may benefit from these accommodations. Notable examples include West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf, Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara, Tottenham's Djed Spence, and Arsenal's William Saliba. High-profile stars like Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester United's Amad Diallo also observe Ramadan.
This policy has created precedents in recent seasons. In 2021, during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, defenders Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate were permitted to break their fast. Fofana subsequently expressed gratitude to the Premier League, Crystal Palace, and match officials for facilitating this religious observance.
Recent Examples and Player Perspectives
More recently, in April 2024, Everton players Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, and Amadou Onana paused a match against Newcastle United to observe Iftar. Doucoure, in a 2023 BBC interview, reflected on balancing religious devotion with professional demands.
"I always love Ramadan," Doucoure stated. "Sometimes playing football has been challenging when Ramadan coincided with summer and pre-season training. However, I've consistently been fortunate to practice my faith without compromising my physical condition, for which I'm truly grateful."
The midfielder emphasized his priorities: "My religion remains the most important aspect of my life—it comes first, followed by my profession. It's entirely possible to honor both commitments simultaneously, and I take great satisfaction in achieving that balance."
This ongoing accommodation demonstrates English football's recognition of religious diversity within the sport, ensuring players can maintain their spiritual practices while competing at the highest level.
