English Premier League (EPL) would once again allow brief pauses during matches at sunset throughout Ramadan, giving Muslim players the opportunity to break their fast.
According to BBC Sport, referees have been instructed to permit short stoppages when the sun sets, enabling fasting players to take water or energy supplements before resuming play.
However, officials will not interrupt the game during active play or attacking moves. Instead, they are expected to wait for a natural break, such as a throw-in, free kick, or goal kick. Team captains will also be informed before kick-off to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.
The initiative was first introduced in 2021 and has since become a regular feature during Ramadan fixtures. One of the earliest examples came during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace, when play was briefly stopped so Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyaté could hydrate.
Since then, the practice has been maintained across the league during the holy month as part of efforts to support players’ religious observances.
With sunset in the United Kingdom occurring between late afternoon and early evening at this time of year, matches scheduled for around 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm are the most likely to be affected.
The stoppage typically lasts no more than one or two minutes—just enough time for fasting players to take refreshments and return to the game without disrupting the flow of play.