Premier League officials asked to allow players to break their fast during games over holy period of Ramadan
Premier League officials have been asked to allow practicing Muslim players to break their fast mid-game during the holy period of Ramadan.
As per Sky Sports, refereeing bodies have issued guidance to match officials across leagues in England to allow a natural break in play during evening games. The momentary pause will allow Muslim players observing Ramadan to break their fast by drinking water, consuming energy gels or taking supplements.
Some of the Premier League's best players, such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana, are expected to observe Ramadan.
This year, the Muslim period of reflection and sacrifice will take place between March 22 and April 21. During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims across the world abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. They break their fast only after the sun sets, meaning many Premier League players will require a break during evening games in April.
Referees have also been asked to identify players who will need to break their fast before kick-off and figure out a tentative time for it to take place. A couple of years ago, Leicester City and Crystal Palace paused their game midway to allow Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate to break their Ramadan fast.
The two teams had already communicated with the referee before kick-off, making it a seamless pause. It's believed to be the first Ramadan break in English top flight history.
Premier League giants interested in Goncalo Inacio
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Premier League giants Manchester United are keeping tabs on Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
The uncapped Portuguese centre-back has shone brightly under Ruben Amorim this season, impressing with his composure and distribution. Inacio averages 75 passes per game in the Portuguese league (highest) and has three assists in 23 games.
It's believed that Inacio wishes to move to a European giant in the summer, and United are interested in bringing him to Old Trafford. The Red Devils reportedly want to use him as cover and competition for Lisandro Martinez in the left centre-back role. Erik ten Hag’s side also intend to offload Harry Maguire in the summer, making room for Inacio to settle in.
The player has a €45 million (£40 million) release clause, but Sporting reportedly wish to push it to €80 million (£70 million) by giving him a longer contract.