The Premier League Ramadan breaks will once again be implemented during the 2026 season, as the league makes accommodations for Muslim players observing the holy month.
With February and March often defining title races, European qualification battles and relegation fights, this period is already crucial in the football calendar. But for many Muslim players across the Premier League, this stretch carries additional spiritual significance.
Here is everything you need to know about Premier League Ramadan breaks, why matches will briefly stop, and how Ramadan affects players competing at the highest level.
When Is Ramadan in 2026?
For the 2026 calendar year, Ramadan begins on February 17 and runs through March 19.
Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the exact start date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the crescent was confirmed on the evening of February 17, officially marking the beginning of the holy month.
During this time, Muslim players in the Premier League will observe fasting from dawn until sunset each day.
Why the Premier League Ramadan Breaks Happen
The Premier League Ramadan breaks are designed to allow Muslim players to break their fast at sunset during matches.
Fasting during Ramadan means refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. For elite athletes, this can present physical challenges, particularly in high-intensity sports like football where hydration and energy levels are critical.
To support players, the Premier League permits a brief pause during matches that overlap with sunset. These breaks occur during a natural stoppage in play, such as a goal kick, free kick or throw-in.
Importantly, play is not stopped mid-flow. The Premier League Ramadan breaks are short, respectful pauses at the earliest convenient moment after sunset, giving players the opportunity to consume fluids and small nourishment.
Which Matches Will Pause During Ramadan?
Not every fixture will include Premier League Ramadan breaks.
Only matches scheduled during the Saturday 5:30 p.m. local time slot and the Sunday 4:30 p.m. local time kickoff are expected to be affected. These kickoff times align closely with sunset during late winter and early spring in England. The first match that this stop will likely be implemented is Man City vs Newcastle at the Etihad this evening.
As a result, matches played earlier in the day or under floodlights well after sunset will not require the same pause.
The implementation of Premier League Ramadan breaks has become a regular and widely accepted practice in recent seasons, reflecting the league’s diversity and global inclusivity.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month in Islam.
It is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community observed by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
The month holds deep spiritual significance because it is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibril, also known as Gabriel.
For Muslim players in the Premier League, Ramadan represents both a physical commitment and a spiritual journey.
Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan, known as sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs during daylight hours. The pre-dawn meal is called sahur, while the evening meal that breaks the fast is known as iftar.
Fasting is intended to promote self-discipline, empathy and spiritual growth. It is also seen as a way to gain closeness to God and reflect on gratitude and humility.
Certain groups are exempt from fasting, including children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, the sick and travelers.
Premier League Ramadan Breaks Show Growing Inclusivity
The introduction of Premier League Ramadan breaks reflects how modern football continues to evolve alongside its players.
With Muslim stars playing key roles across clubs competing for titles, European places and survival, these short pauses ensure athletes can maintain both peak performance and religious observance.
As Ramadan continues between February 17 and March 19, Premier League Ramadan breaks will be a visible reminder that football and faith can coexist at the highest level of competition.
