RAMADAN is a significant and meaningful period for many within the Essex football community. Small, thoughtful actions – such as awareness of fasting, clear communication and planned short pauses – can make a significant difference to the experience of Muslim participants during football activity.

In 2026, Ramadan began on the evening of Tuesday 17th February, and it is expected to end on Wednesday 18th March, subject to the sighting of the moon. The Essex County FA are committed to ensuring football remains inclusive and supportive for all participants, and have shared their existing guidance for 2026. During Ramadan, it is important that match officials understand how fasting may affect Muslim players, fellow officials and club staff, and how best to provide appropriate support.

Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. A key element of Ramadan is fasting between sunrise and sunset. This means Muslim participants will abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. This can have implications across the game, particularly:

• physical fatigue and dehydration, especially during evening fixtures or in physically-demanding matches
• evening kick-offs, where the time to break the fast (Iftar) may fall during the match

Match officials have an important role in safeguarding the welfare of all participants. Sensitivity, understanding and proactive communication are essential throughout this period. The following principles should be applied during Ramadan:

1. Be Aware of Fatigue and Welfare

Fasting participants may experience increased fatigue or reduced energy levels. As part of a match official’s safeguarding responsibilities, they should remain mindful of player welfare and be attentive to signs that someone may need additional support.

2. Consider Opportunities to Break the Fast

For evening fixtures, the time to break the fast may occur during the match. Where appropriate, match officials can identify a natural stoppage in play close to sunset to allow fasting players and referees to briefly leave the field of play. This short pause enables individuals to quickly take on liquids or nutritional supplements. The stoppage should be managed efficiently and respectfully, minimising disruption to the game.

3. Communicate Early and Clearly

Open communication is key. Prior to kick-off, referees should speak with club officials, and their own refereeing team, to establish whether any players or match officials will be observing Ramadan. If a short pause is required, they should agree an approximate time, and inform both teams before the match begins.

Planning ahead ensures transparency, fairness and smooth match management. By discussing arrangements in advance, referees can help to create an environment where participants feel supported and respected. To assist with planning, officials can check sunrise and sunset times.

The Essex County FA thank all match officials, and the wider football community, for their continued professionalism and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved in the game. For further guidance or support, please visit www.essexfa.com, where you can also find out how to contact the Essex County FA with any questions.

Ramadan Guidance for Leagues, Referees, Clubs and Coaches

The Essex County FA have previously published a Ramadan awareness webinar series in partnership with Muslimah Sports Association trustee Kevin Coleman and football community guests. The series educates leagues, referees, clubs and coaches on Ramadan, its impact during the football season, and how to better support Muslim participants.

This series, which can be view on the County FA’s YouTube channel via www.essexfa.com, aims to promote inclusion, and reduce barriers to participation. Equality & Inclusion Officer, Milly Morgan, has explained how the webinars help providers to adapt fixtures and practices, so players can continue playing while fasting.

She said: “We hope to reduce the number of players who don’t feel able to participate in football during Ramadan due to fixture timings, the inability to break fast or other factors. We want to raise awareness amongst Essex football providers, and offer the chance to receive guidance on how to support individuals during fasts.”