Match officials of the Premier League have been instructed to allow Muslims to break their fast during the period of Ramadan. Many of the country’s greatest players, like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and Chelsea’s Ngolo Kante, are set to fast this month, abstaining from eating or drinking during daylight hours during a significant time of self-reflection for Muslims. They will have to break their fast after the sun has set, which will affect a lot of players competing in nighttime matches across all categories during the next month. Refereeing organizations have now issued instructions to match officials to allow for a natural halt in play and allow players to break their fast by consuming beverages, energy gels, or supplements.
They have also been encouraged to try to identify any players who may need to break their fast during the game and to agree on a rough timing for this to happen. PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and the Football Association have been asked for comment. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and fellowship for Muslims worldwide, begins this year on Wednesday evening (March 22) and ends on Friday evening (April 21).
Leicester City’s match against Crystal Palace was stopped in the middle of the game two years ago to allow players to break their fast, which is thought to be a Premier League first. Vicente Guiata postponed his goal kick shortly after the half-hour mark to allow Fofana and Kouyate to get energy gels along the side of the pitch.
Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion forward Mariam Mahmood is one of four role models included with a first-of-its-kind chronology chronicling the history of South Asian origin female players in the modern English game. The timeline highlights 20 present and former South Asian players who have blazed a way in the game in various leagues across Britain, marking the evolution of women’s football in the Women’s Super League period. Mahmood, Millie Chandarana (Blackburn Rovers), Simran Jhamat (Coventry United), and Kira Rai (Derby County) all have their story highlighted in the timeline.
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