Ramadan Breaks in English Football: Policy, Practice, and Progress

For the second consecutive year, English football’s top tiers have formally reintroduced procedures to accommodate Muslim players and officials observing Ramadan. This proactive measure by the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) allows for brief, coordinated pauses in play so that individuals who have been fasting from dawn to sunset can break their fast at the earliest appropriate moment during evening matches. This development marks a significant step in the sport’s ongoing journey toward greater religious inclusivity and player welfare, setting a precedent for leagues worldwide.

Key Points at a Glance

Official Policy: The Premier League and EFL have an established, agreed-upon protocol for Ramadan break pauses.
Timing: Breaks occur only in matches with late kick-offs (typically Saturday 17:30 and Sunday 16:30) to align with UK sunset times (approximately 17:00-19:00 GMT).
Mechanism: The pause is initiated at a natural break in play (goal-kick, free-kick, throw-in) and is not a pre-scheduled “drinks break” or tactical timeout.
Collaboration: Club captains and match officials discuss the need for a pause before the game and agree on an approximate timeframe.
Historical Context: The formal agreement was first implemented in April 2021 during a Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace match.
Player Welfare: The policy is part of broader club support, including tailored nutrition (halal meals) and adjusted training schedules.
Inclusivity Signal: It demonstrates football’s commitment to accommodating diverse faiths and supporting athletes’ holistic well-being.

Background: Understanding Ramadan and Its Intersection with Sport

The Significance of Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a period of dawn-to-sunset fasting (sawm), abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is an act of spiritual discipline, devotion, and empathy for the less fortunate. Breaking the fast at sunset, known as iftar, is a daily communal and spiritual event. For Muslim athletes, maintaining high-performance levels while fasting presents unique physiological and psychological challenges, including dehydration, altered sleep patterns, and fluctuating energy levels.

The Journey to Formal Accommodation in English Football

While Muslim players have long been part of English football, formal recognition of their needs during Ramadan is a relatively recent development. Prior to 2021, accommodations were often informal and managed privately between players and clubs. The push for a league-wide protocol gained momentum as the visibility and number of Muslim professionals in the Premier League and EFL increased.

The landmark moment came in April 2021. Following discussions between the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the Premier League, and clubs, an official framework was established. The first instance of this formal “Ramadan break” occurred during a Premier League fixture between Leicester City and Crystal Palace. The game was paused around the 30-minute mark at a goal-kick, allowing Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate to quickly rehydrate and consume energy gels on the touchline before play resumed.

This policy was not created in isolation. It built upon existing “drinks breaks” allowed for player welfare in extreme heat (introduced after the 2020 COVID-19 restart) but was specifically tailored for religious observance, distinguishing it from a general hydration break.

Analysis: How the Policy Works and Its Broader Implications

The Operational Mechanics: How a “Ramadan Break” Unfolds

The success of the policy hinges on its discretion and integration into the natural flow of the game. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

Pre-Match Agreement: Club managers, captains, and the officiating team (referee and assistants) meet before kick-off. They identify any Muslim players or officials who intend to break their fast during the match and agree on a rough window for the pause.
Identifying the Moment: The referee waits for a neutral, natural stoppage in play—such as a goal-kick, free-kick, or throw-in—that occurs near the agreed time. The break is not called at a critical moment like a counter-attack.
The Pause: The referee signals the break. The identified individual(s) quickly leave the field of play, typically heading to the technical area or tunnel, where pre-prepared hydration and food (often in small, easily digestible portions like dates, water, and energy gels) are available.
Resumption: The break lasts no longer than a minute. Once the player is ready, they signal to the referee, and play restarts from the point of the original stoppage (e.g., the goal-kick is taken).
Communication: Broadcasters and stadium announcers are often informed in advance to explain the pause to fans, preventing confusion.

It is crucial to note that the break is a personal accommodation. It is not a “team drinks break” and cannot be used for tactical instructions by the manager to the entire squad. The focus is solely on the physical and spiritual need of the observing individual.

Impact on Player Performance and Welfare

Scientific studies on fasting athletes show mixed effects on performance, often dependent on the time of day, climate, and individual adaptation. Evening matches, like those in the Premier League, present a specific challenge: players have typically not eaten or drunk for 14-16 hours by the 20:00 kick-off.

The Ramadan break policy directly addresses the acute risks of dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during the latter stages of the match. By allowing a iftar around the 60th minute, players can replenish fluids and carbohydrates, potentially mitigating performance decline in the final third of the game. This is not about gaining an advantage but about levelling the playing field for observant Muslim athletes, allowing them to compete without the disproportionate physical burden of fasting.

A Milestone for Inclusion and Cultural Competence

The policy’s significance extends beyond logistics. It is a powerful statement about the values of modern English football:

Respect for Diversity: It visibly acknowledges and respects the faith of a significant portion of the global fanbase and playing staff.
Normalization: By integrating the pause seamlessly, it normalizes religious practice within the highly regimented world of professional sport.
Global Leadership: The Premier League’s stature means its policies are watched globally. This sets a benchmark for other major leagues in Europe and beyond to consider similar accommodations.
Role Model for Youth: For young Muslim fans, seeing their faith accommodated at the highest level of the game is profoundly empowering and reinforces a sense of belonging.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its success, the policy operates within constraints:

Geographic Limitation: It is only feasible for matches in the UK where sunset occurs during the game. For matches in regions with much later sunsets (e.g., Scandinavia in summer) or earlier ones, different solutions are needed.
Broadcast & Fan Perception: While improved, there can still be confusion or criticism from segments of the fanbase unfamiliar with the practice, requiring ongoing education.
Competitive Integrity: The refereeing team must balance the need for the break with ensuring it does not disrupt the game’s flow or advantage/disadvantage either team. The “natural stoppage” rule is key to this.
Not a Universal Solution: Some Muslim players may choose not to break their fast during the game due to personal preference or strategy, highlighting that the policy is an option, not an obligation.

Practical Advice: For Clubs, Players, and Fans

For Football Clubs and Administrators

Proactive Planning: Integrate Ramadan planning into seasonal sports science and medical support. Schedule pre-iftar nutrition and hydration protocols for training sessions.
Catering: Ensure stadium and training ground kitchens provide timely, nutritious, and certified halal iftar options for players and staff.
Education: Conduct sessions for all staff (coaches, medics, academy personnel) on the fundamentals of Ramadan and the specific break protocol to ensure seamless execution.
Flexible Scheduling: Consider, where possible, adjusting the timing of non-essential meetings or media duties to accommodate players’ altered sleep and eating schedules.
Communication: Work with media officers to prepare clear, factual statements about the break policy for matchday programs and social media.

For Muslim Players and Officials

Early Dialogue: Initiate conversations with your manager, club doctor, and captain well before Ramadan begins to discuss your intentions and needs.
Personalized Strategy: Work with the club’s nutritionist to develop a iftar plan that works for you—focusing on rapid rehydration and easily digestible carbs.
Listen to Your Body: Monitor your energy and hydration levels closely during training and matches. Use the break if needed, but do not feel pressured if you choose a different approach.
Community: Connect with other Muslim athletes in the league to share experiences and tips.

For Fans and Media

Understand the Context: Recognize that the pause is a brief, welfare-oriented accommodation, not a disruption to the game’s integrity.
Respect the Moment: The break is a private moment of faith for the player. The focus should be on their right to practice their religion, not on debating the policy’s merits in that instant.
Accurate Reporting: If covering the break, explain it clearly and factually, emphasizing its purpose and the collaborative process behind it.
Celebrate Inclusivity: View the policy as a positive reflection of football’s evolution into a truly global and diverse community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Ramadan break a new rule for the 2024/25 season?

No. The formal protocol was agreed upon and first used in the 2020/21 season. It is a standing policy that is activated annually during the month of Ramadan, provided match timings align with sunset in the UK.

Does the break give the player’s team an unfair advantage?

No. The policy is designed for player welfare, not competitive advantage. The break is taken at a natural stoppage, is very brief (under a minute), and only allows the individual to consume a small amount of food/drink. It prevents the significant disadvantage of playing for 90 minutes without any sustenance, which could pose health risks. The opposing team is not disadvantaged, as play restarts from the same point.

What if a Muslim player doesn’t want to break their fast during the game?

The policy is entirely optional. The pre-match discussion is to determine if a break is needed. If a player chooses to wait until after the match to break their fast, that decision is fully respected. The protocol is an accommodation, not a requirement.

How long does the pause actually last?

The pause is typically less than 60 seconds. The player quickly exits, consumes their prepared iftar (often just water and an energy gel or a few dates), and returns to the field. The game resumes from the original set-piece.

Are there similar policies in other countries or sports?

Yes, but approaches vary. Some leagues in the Middle East adjust entire match schedules. In basketball, the NBA has discussed similar concepts. Cricket has had drink breaks for centuries. The English football model is notable for being implemented within a fixed schedule without changing kick-off times, using in-game discretion instead.

Does this policy apply to all levels of English football?

The formal, coordinated protocol is specific to the Premier League and EFL (Championship, League One, League Two). Lower non-league and grassroots clubs may make their own informal arrangements, but the top-tier policy sets the standard.

Conclusion: More Than a Break, a Statement

The Ramadan break in English football is a deceptively simple policy with profound implications. It represents a mature, pragmatic, and respectful approach to diversity in a high-pressure, traditionally rigid environment. By allowing a minute for faith, the sport gains a deeper sense of community and sends a clear message: it is a home for everyone.

This initiative demonstrates that inclusivity and elite performance are not mutually exclusive. It requires minimal disruption to the game but yields significant benefits in player welfare, mental well-being, and the league’s global reputation. As the policy becomes more embedded year after year, it normalizes the sight of a player briefly leaving the pitch not due to injury, but for a moment of spiritual and physical replenishment. This is the true mark of a modern, compassionate sport—one that understands its power to unite and its responsibility to accommodate all who love the game.