EPL Allows Muslim Players to Break Fast During Matches

EPL Allows Muslim Players to Break Fast During Matches

The English Premier League (EPL) and English Football League (EFL) will continue special procedures throughout Ramadan, with matches temporarily suspended to allow Muslim players to break their fast, BBC Sport reported.

With UK sunset times ranging from 5pm to 7pm throughout Ramadan, only kick-offs on Saturdays at 5.30pm and Sundays at 4.30pm are potentially disrupted.

As implemented in previous years, the team leader together with the match officials will identify additional time in the match so that Muslim players or match officials can break their fast.

Teams and match officials will discuss in advance whether a stoppage is necessary, in addition to setting an estimated stoppage time. The stop will not be used as a team water break or tactical rest.

Play will not be stopped while the match is actively underway, but rather at the most appropriate moment such as a goal kick, free kick or throw-in.

In 2021, an agreement was reached to allow Muslim players to break their fast during EPL matches.

The first time breaking the fast occurred in Leicester City’s match against Crystal Palace in April 2021. The match was stopped briefly around the 30th minute during a goal kick so that Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate could recharge.

Among the Muslim players in the EPL include Mohamed Salah, William Lintasa, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Amad Diallo.