ISTANBUL

The English Premier League will pause matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan, according to British media reports.

The BBC reported that before each match it will be determined whether any player is fasting. If so, the game will be briefly paused at iftar time to allow them to break their fast.

The first such pause took place in April 2021 during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

The game was temporarily halted to allow Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate to break their fast. The players consumed liquids and energy gels before play resumed.