In the Premier League and lower divisions, breaks will take place mid-match to allow Muslim players to break the Ramadan fast.
In England, refereeing bodies have issued guidelines for professional football matches to be suspended for the coming month to allow Muslim players to break the Ramadan fast. This is revealed Sky Sports specifying that these instructions concern the Premier League and the three lower divisions (Championship, League One, League Two).
During Ramadan, scheduled from March 22 to April 21, 2023, many footballers are used to playing despite the constraints inherent in this holy period. This year, referees are invited toidentify, before the start of the match, players who may need to break their fast during the match», and to «agree on an approximate time to allow for this“.
A break had already taken place in 2021
No less than 36 Premier League matches will take place during Ramadan, including some in the early evening. During Ramadan, Muslims can eat and drink after the sun goes down. Some major Premier League players, including Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), are Muslim and practice fasting.
In April 2021, a break had already taken place and concerned French defender Wesley Fofana, then a Leicester player. After around 30 minutes of play, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guiata waited before playing a goal clearance. Fofana and Palace midfielder Chekhou Kouyaté thus had a short time to break their fast. Fofana said he was touched by this attention. “This is what makes football wonderful“, had appreciated Fofana.
SEE ALSO – Messi’s last-second free kick during PSG-Lille last February (4-3)