By Victor Kanayo
Muslim players plying their trade in England will enjoy the privilege of breaking fast during the holy period of Ramadan.
This is after refereeing bodies reportedly told Premier League and English Football League match officials to pause play, so that the religious obligation could be performed.
According to Sky Sports, Match officials have been issued guidance, so players can break their fast by taking on liquids, energy gels or supplements on the touchline, during a pause in play.
Ramadan begins on Wednesday and lasts a month.
To this end, referees have also been encouraged to identify players who are fasting prior to kickoff and agree an estimated time for the pause in play.
Liverpool Forward Mohamed Salah, Chelsea Midfielder, N’Golo Kante and Manchester City Winger, Riyad Mahrez, are among players who are expected to abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
In the past, match had been paused to allow muslim players break their fast after sunset.
Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate, two Muslims, were playing in a game between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in 2021, and they were allowed to break their fast on the day at the half hour mark.
