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Premier League Matches To Pause For Fasting Muslim Players During Ramadan
Tuesday’s Premier League matches will briefly be paused for Muslim players who have been fasting during Ramadan.
If clubs have requested a stoppage before the game, the referee will signal for a break, allowing Muslim players to eat and drink at pitchside.
Everton’s game against Tottenham was stopped in the 26th minute to allow players that had been fasting during the day to take on energy supplements.
Three Muslim players were in action for Sean Dyche’s side at Goodison Park.
Although sunset was before kick-off, allowing players to break their fast, a drinks break was pre-agreed with the referee when both teams – including Toffees trio Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye – came to the side of the pitch to take on fluids.
Play does not stop while matches are in mid-flow, but at the earliest convenient moment during a goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in.
Teams and match officials will discuss beforehand whether a pause is required and an approximate time for the stoppage will be agreed.
With the 19:45 BST kick-offs on Tuesday coming close to sunset, an agreement might be reached to delay the start by a couple of minutes to allow players to break their fast, which was the case in Friday’s Championship game between Burnley and Sunderland.
In the evening games, Nampalys Mendy could come up against Boubacar Kamara when Leicester host Aston Villa, while Muslim players may also be involved in the Bournemouth v Brighton and Leeds v Nottingham Forest matches.
Chelsea’s game against Liverpool in London kicks off at 20:00, shortly after sunset on Tuesday.
Manchester United v Brentford and West Ham v Newcastle on Wednesday, as well as the meeting between Leeds and Liverpool on 17 April and Arsenal against Southampton four days later are the other top-flight matches that kick off at 20:00 BST this Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar calendar, which means Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier each year. With the holy month now approaching the winter, breaks in play for fasting players will be a regular occurrence in the coming years.
Last month, Toffees midfielder Doucoure told BBC Sport he always “loves” Ramadan, adding: “I fast every day. I don’t miss any days.
“Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season.
“But I have always been lucky to practise Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition – I am grateful for that.”
Nantes player misses game because of fasting
Meanwhile, France’s football federation (FFF) has told referees they must not pause matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.
“Football does not take into account the political, religious, ideological, or syndical [trade unions] considerations of its actors,” read an email to officials.
“It is up to all of the parties involved to make sure it is respected.”
Nantes defender Jaouen Hadjam was absent for his side’s 3-0 Ligue 1 defeat by Reims on Sunday because he did not want to break the Ramadan fast.
Nantes have six Muslim players observing Ramadan but 20-year-old Algeria international Hadjam is the only one to fast on matchdays.
“It’s his choice, I respect it,” said coach Antoine Kombouare. “But on matchday, you don’t have to fast. It’s very intense, you have to be ready. Those who fast aren’t in the group – I don’t want them to injure themselves.
“In the week, there are no worries for those who fast. I’m ready to support them.”
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
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