Match officials asked to allow players to break fast during Ramadan

Ramadan begins this week

A number of footballers across the country including the likes of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Chelsea's Ngolo Kante will fast this month, which includes refraining from drinking or eating during daylight hours as part of a period of important self-reflection for Muslims.

Players will need to break their fast once the sun has set, affecting a number of players and games throughout the next month.

Sky Sports News have revealed that officials have been given guidance from refereeing bodies to allow for a natural pause in the game so that players can break their fast by taking on liquids or energy gels or supplements.

Additionally, they have also been encouraged to find any players participating in Ramadan who need to break their fast so that they can arrange a suitable time to allow for a break in play.

hat is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world by fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It begins on Wednesday (March 22) evening and ends on the evening of Friday April 21.

Two years ago a Premier League footballer was allowed to break their fast for the first time in history. Wesley Fofana - playing for Leicester City at the time - and Cheikhou Kouyate, formerly of Crystal Palace, were allowed to take on board fluids and supplements during a game against the two sides.

Fofana posted to social media to praise Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guiata, who temporarily paused his goal kick for the benefit of the two players.

He said: "Just wanted to thank the @premierleague as well as @CPFC ,@vguaita13 all the Foxes for allowing me to break my fast tonight in the middle of the game. That's what makes football wonderful."

Related links:

• Blackburn Rovers become first club in UK to host Eid prayers at stadium
• Ex-Juventus striker sent off for urinating by the pitch
• Referee suspended for playing 42 minutes of stoppage time