Premier League officials to pause games to allow Muslim players to break fast during Ramadan

Match officials have been issued with guidance to find a natural pause in play to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the month of Ramadan, according to Sky Sports.  

Some of the biggest Premier League stars are expected to fast this month, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.

They will abstain from eating or drinking during the day and will break their fast at sunset. 

Muslim players taking part in evening matches will be affected by this during the holy period of Ramadan. 

To resolve the issue, match officials have been asked to allow for a natural pause in play, so the players can break their fast by taking on liquids or supplements.  

The officials have been given guidance from the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL). 

A match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace was stopped two years ago to allow players to break their fast, which is believed to be a first in the Premier League.  

The two clubs had agreed with the referee to pause the game for a while to allow Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate to break their fast. 

Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guiata delayed taking a goal kick to allow Fofana and Kouyate to take energy gels. Fofana later thanked the clubs and the Premier League for making it happen. 

Being an elite-level footballer in England is challenging due to its physically demanding nature. 

Things become even harder for practising Muslim players during Ramadan as they must abstain from eating or drinking during set periods.

However, people watching games through live football streams must now become accustomed to Muslim players being given time to break their fast.