Overview
- The policy is active for Ramadan 2026, which runs from February 17 to March 19 across English football’s top tiers.
- Only fixtures overlapping sunset are affected, primarily Saturday 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 4:30 p.m. UK kickoffs during the period.
- West Ham vs Bournemouth on Saturday and Tottenham vs Arsenal on Sunday have been flagged for brief iftar pauses at agreed stoppages.
- Referees will coordinate with club captains before kickoff, pausing only at goal-kicks, free-kicks or throw-ins rather than interrupting open play.
- Leagues have asked clubs to identify fasting players as the established protocol, introduced in 2021, continues to support player welfare.