Premier League Continues to Allow Muslim Players to Break Fast

The Premier League has confirmed its continued policy of allowing Muslim players to break their fast during matches in Ramadan. This measure is a continuation of a policy first introduced in 2021.

This procedure involves a prior agreement between team captains and match officials to temporarily pause play, such as during a goal kick, foul, or throw-in, to allow players to drink fluids or consume energy gels. In this context, former Everton player Abdoulaye Doucouré said, “In the Premier League, you are free to do what suits you. They will never do anything against your beliefs, and that’s great.”

This initiative reflects English football's commitment to religious diversity, enabling its Muslim players to observe their religious duties without impacting their physical performance. The first such stoppage was permitted in a 2021 match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace.