March 22, (THEWILL) – The English Premier League and English Football League officials have been asked to accommodate Muslim players, who will be fasting during evening games across the period of Ramadan.
The request came in the wake of a number of players, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, expected to fast for a month during daylight hours in accordance with the Islamic faith.
According to sources monitored by THEWILL, referees body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has instructed officials to investigate if any players or staff will be affected when clubs exchange team sheets before kick-off during this period. The PGMOL will also create a natural stoppage in play to allow fasting club staff, players and match officials to come to the side of the pitch and take on liquids or energy supplements.
While Leicester City and Crystal Palace’s game in April 2021 was believed to be the first in the division to be stopped to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game, this move represents a significant change to how football leagues support their players’ religious beliefs.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
