Evolving Football Rules During Ramadan: On And Off The Pitch
Football as a sport has been evolving with each passing season. Until quite recently, fasting had been something most footballers had to hide; now, policies are embracing progress in this direction.
During Ramadan, Muslims around the world will observe fasting, abstaining from consuming any food or drink during daylight hours. Earlier, most football matches, including top league matches, were less accommodating for Muslim players. Thus, they resorted to improvised solutions to break their fasts. Teammates would fake or embellish injuries after sundown to buy a moment for their Muslim colleagues to rush to the sideline; a few dates or a sugary drink would be slipped into their hands by a staff member at the appointed hour; or trainers would rush out to attend to an injured knee, carrying a kit well-stocked with bananas.
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The first known example of an organized halt in play in the Premier League occurred a few years ago during a match between Crystal Palace and Leicester. Former Crystal Palace doctor Zafar Iqbal said that before the game, the medical staff of both teams approached the referee about the need for a break. At the appointed time, Palace’s goalkeeper lingered over a free kick to allow it to happen. “When the ball went out of play, the game was paused, and the two players ran to the sideline to get a drink and some dates,” Mr. Iqbal said. “Nobody else within the stadium realized as it happened quickly.” The smooth moment went unnoticed at the time, and this was only revealed when one of the Muslim players thanked the goalkeeper, the league, and the team the next day.
However, football pitches are changing their ways in recent times. The Football Association announced that the FA Cup, which is held during Ramadan, briefly paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast. Similarly, the Premier League has issued similar directives during Ramadan in recent years, with players breaking their fast during a natural stoppage in play, such as a goal kick, free kick, or throw-in. However, if none of these opportunities arise at the appointed time, they must wait for another moment. Meanwhile, in France, the issue is still not on their agenda.
In Belgium, football authorities are allowing a break during matches this Ramadan to enable Muslim players to break their fast. The French Football Federation (FFF), however, has remained silent this year following past controversies over its refusal to introduce such a break. In 2024, the FFF faced criticism after issuing a directive instructing teams and referees not to interrupt the game for the purpose of breaking the fast. The FFF’s regulations have banned the display of religious symbols on the field since 2016. They have reiterated their opposition to brief match interruptions for breaking the fast, citing principles of secularism and neutrality. Among European countries, England was one of the first to introduce a break for players observing Ramadan, and this year, the federation has decided to continue the policy.
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The Netherlands has also adopted similar extended measures, allowing brief breaks for footballers. Australia, meanwhile, has extended the break to a 90-second stoppage time for breaking the fast.
