In a continuation of its inclusive policies, the Premier League, alongside the Football Association, has announced the reinstatement of short in-play pauses for matches coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative, designed to accommodate Muslim players and match officials, allows them to break their fast at sunset, reaffirming English football’s commitment to supporting religious and cultural diversity within the sport.
As reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Ramadan commences this week and will span an entire month, a period during which adherents abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk. Given that sunset in the United Kingdom is projected to occur between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM GMT in the coming weeks, two specific kick-off times are most likely to incorporate these brief halts. These are the Saturday 5:30 PM fixture and the Sunday 4:30 PM match.
Protocol and Implementation
Mirroring the procedure established in previous years, the implementation will be carefully coordinated. Team captains and the match referee will agree upon the mechanism for the pause in advance, establishing an approximate timing that considers the natural flow of the game. Crucially, play will not be interrupted during an attacking move or a moment of direct contention. Instead, the stoppage will occur at the nearest suitable opportunity, such as following a goal kick, a free kick, or a throw-in, thereby safeguarding the competitive integrity and fairness of the match.
This measured approach ensures the observance does not disrupt the sporting spectacle, balancing religious accommodation with the maintenance of football’s essential rhythms. The decision underscores a growing recognition within top-tier football of the need to adapt its structures to support the well-being and beliefs of its diverse participants, setting a notable precedent for leagues worldwide.