The Premier League and English Football League permit Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast during matches this season. Introduced in 2021, teams with Muslim players coordinate with referees for a natural pause, allowing players to eat food or consume energy gels.

Ramadan Fasting Rules and Timing

Muslims observe Ramadan by fasting from sunrise to sunset. In the UK, the holy month runs from February 17 to March 18 this year. Sunset in England this weekend arrives around 5:30pm GMT.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Potential Pause After Sunset

The late afternoon clash between Tottenham and Arsenal on Sunday could feature a brief stoppage after sunset if players request it. This accommodation ensures fasting athletes maintain performance without disruption.

Key Muslim Players in the Premier League

Notable players observing Ramadan include West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara, Tottenham’s Djed Spence, Arsenal’s William Saliba, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.

Past Examples of Ramadan Breaks

In 2021, Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate took an Iftar break—the meal marking sunset—during their matchup. Fofana expressed gratitude to the league, his club, and officials for the allowance.

Everton players Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, and Amadou Onana paused their April 2024 game against Newcastle for the same purpose. Doucoure shared in a 2023 interview: “I always love Ramadan. Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season. But I have always been lucky to practise Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition—I am grateful for that. My religion is the most important thing in my life—I put my religion first, then comes my work. You can do both together and I am happy with that.”