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Every Ramadan, a debate resurfaces among football enthusiasts and professionals about introducing breaks to allow Muslim players to break their fast. This year, several federations and leagues worldwide are extending this exceptional measure, while others, such as in France, have remained silent since their previous refusals.
In Belgium, football authorities are allowing a break during matches this Ramadan to enable Muslim players to break their fast. This measure, which has sparked debate in Belgium and other European federations, is being reintroduced after flexibility was shown in the previous two seasons.
The French Football Federation (FFF), however, has remained silent this year following past controversy over its refusal to introduce this break, meaning it is still not allowed. In 2024, the FFF faced criticism after issuing directives that instructed 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. It has also reiterated its opposition to brief match interruptions for breaking the fast, citing principles of secularism and neutrality. This debate is increasingly challenged, especially after the Senate adopted a text that strengthens and generalizes the ban on religious references in all sports.
Among European countries, England was one of the first to introduce a break for players observing Ramadan. Just before the start of Ramadan, with Muslims beginning their fast on March 1, 2025, sports authorities in England announced the continuation of this policy.
FA Cup matches taking place during Ramadan will be briefly interrupted to allow Muslim players to break their fast, reported UK media. The first weekend of this period featured matches between Manchester City and Plymouth, as well as Manchester United and Fulham.
According to the English Football Association’s information sheet, players observing Ramadan will be allowed a short break in the game to break their fast. An approximate time will be agreed upon for the break, and it will not serve as a drinks break or a tactical timeout.
A measure increasingly adopted in Europe and beyond
In recent years, the Premier League has adopted similar directives during Ramadan, allowing players to break their fast during natural stoppages in play, such as a goal kick, free kick, or throw-in. The quarter-finals of the English Football Cup are scheduled for the weekend of March 29 and 30, during Ramadan, which runs from March 1 to 30 in the UK.
In the Netherlands, the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) has extended its measure, allowing brief breaks during evening matches to let Muslim players break their fast. The break is planned during the first game stoppage after sunset, as long as at least one participating player is observing Ramadan.
Similarly, Australia has allowed its professional Muslim footballers to take a break during matches since last year. This measure, now extended, consists of a 90-second stoppage for breaking the fast. Announced just before the start of Ramadan, the A-League's decision allows for a natural break if evening matches are played at sunset.
The decision has been welcomed by many players observing the fast, who face the challenge of balancing sports performance with religious practice. Moroccan international Anas Ouahim (U23), playing for Sydney FC, praised the initiative. «It’s particularly beneficial for professional athletes to have this option», he told Reuters. «It allows me to practice my religion while playing the sport I love, and I’ve found a good balance», said the former FC Cologne player, born in Germany.
While official measures don’t yet exist in other countries, federations are adopting a certain flexibility, allowing the central referee to implement a natural break. This situation has arisen during past European championships, such as in Germany.
In Turkey, evening match schedules are generally adjusted to allow for breaking the fast before the games begin, as is the case in other regions, including North Africa and the Gulf countries.
