EFL officials asked to pause games to allow players to break Ramadan fast

Premier League and English Football League (EFL) officials have been asked to provide an opportunity for players to break their fast during evening games across Ramadan, sources have told ESPN.

There are a number of players including Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan who are expected to fast for a month during daylight hours in accordance with one of the five pillars of Islam.

Ramadan begins on Wednesday and concludes on April 21. Sources have told ESPN that following consultation with the relevant league administrators, referees body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has informed officials to explore whether any players or staff will be affected when clubs exchange teamsheets before kick-off during this period.

A natural stoppage in play will then be created to allow fasting club staff, players and match officials to come to the side of the pitch and take on liquids or energy supplements.

The match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in April 2021 was believed to be the first in the division to be stopped to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game.