Overview
- Competitions confirmed the established procedure will run during Ramadan, which in the UK falls from 17 February to 18 March 2026.
- Only fixtures overlapping sunset are expected to pause this weekend, notably West Ham vs Bournemouth on Saturday evening and Tottenham vs Arsenal on Sunday late afternoon.
- The pause will occur at the earliest convenient moment such as a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in, and it is not intended as a tactical time-out or general drinks break.
- The practice was first used in April 2021 during Leicester vs Crystal Palace, and it has continued since, including an Everton–Newcastle match in April 2024.
- Clubs support observant players with adjusted schedules and catering, and the policy is relevant across the league given the number of Muslim players, including Mohamed Salah, William Saliba and Amad Diallo.