In England, officials will be asked to allow Muslim players to break their fast during games during the Ramadan period. This measure concerns the evening meetings of the various professional championships across the Channel. Breaks will be made quickly during stoppages of play.
This year again, the period of Ramadan comes in the middle of the league season for English football. To help Muslim players during this time, English football officials have been asked to allow breaking the fast in the middle of a match.
As revealed by Sky Sports, the request relates to evening matches of the Premier League and lower EFL divisions (Championship, League One, League Two). The aim is to give players and officials the opportunity to break the fast after sunset, during so-called “natural break” moments during the game.
Up to seven championship days concerned
Ramadan begins this Wednesday, March 22 in the evening and will end on Friday, April 21. This period encompasses up to seven league matchdays for England’s 3rd tier – League One – and touches on four Premier League matchdays as well as the late Matchday 8 game between Chelsea and Liverpool on April 4 (9pm).
Muslim players will be able to quickly take drinks, food supplements or energy gels during stoppages in play. Officials are also strongly advised to communicate with both teams and the players concerned before kick-off.