Cincinnati pro soccer game pauses at sundown to accommodate Muslim players during Ramadan

“The game is being paused now that it is sundown for players observing Ramadan,” the club posted Saturday afternoon as part of its game updates.

https://twitter.com/fccincinnati/status/2025350895945527397?s=20

On Thursday, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that in recognition of Ramadan and for players, coaches, and officials who observe the Muslim holiday, the league would continue a policy that allows for a pause in matches played.

“Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, is a holy time in which Muslims fast during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), perform extended prayers, increase their charitable efforts and bring about introspection,” MLS said in a statement. “Observers of Ramadan refrain from consuming food and drinks during daylight hours. At sundown, individuals can break their fast and eat or drink again.”

“In recognition of this time, and the players, coaches and officials who observe, Major League Soccer instituted a policy in 2023 that allows for a pause in matches played during Ramadan for players and on-field officials to break their daily fasts, as needed. This year, we anticipate that some players and officials in MLS will once again fast from sunrise to sundown.”

The league said that if a player or official is set to break their fast during a match, then a “drinks break” will be implemented after sundown.

“This initiative not only acknowledges the importance of Ramadan for those who observe but also showcases the league's commitment to supporting its athletes, coaches and officials in maintaining their spiritual and physical well-being,” MLS said.

MLS detailed how the pause works, stating that before each match, clubs alert league officials if any individuals are fasting and will break it during the game. If those individuals are on the field at sundown, the referee will implement a “drinks break” after sundown. If sundown occurs within minutes of a kickoff, a delayed start may be implemented.