Referees have been given permission to pause Premier League and Football League matches during Ramadan to allow players to break their fast, it has been revealed. Under new guidance, match officials have been encouraged to do so in natural breaks in play during all games within the holy month, which began on March 23.
As a result players will be given time to break their fast by taking on board drinks, energy gels and supplements. Referees have also been asked to identify which players will be fasting prior to kick-off and to agree an approximate time when stops in play can occur.
Muslims across the world are currently observing Ramadan until April 21 and in doing so are abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast after evening prayer and sunset. During this time, however, Muslims must carry on with their day to day duties, such as attending work and school as normal.
Numerous footballers will benefit from the change to past seasons, including practicing Muslims such as Liverpool's Mo Salah, Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Chelsea's Ngolo Kante. A Premier League game did make international headlines two years ago before guidelines were introduced, however, when Crystal Palace and Leicester City paused in the middle of a game for the same reason.
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This weekend's action will prove the first time we see the guidance come into force since Ramadan began after the players returned to their league clubs following an international break.
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