The A-Leagues, in support with the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), will continue its support of players and match officials observing Ramadan during A-Leagues matches.
This year, Ramadan, which starts today, will be observed between Rounds 18 and 21 in the A-League Men and Rounds 18 and 19 in the A-League Women. The policy, first introduced in season 2023/24, allows a Club or match official to request a special break to occur, after sunset, to allow players or officials to break their fast.
The policy stipulates the request must be made to the Match Commissioner 90 minutes before kick-off when submitting the ‘player selection listʼ, for matches that are in-play during the time of sunset, across the period of Ramadan.
The break, approximately 90 seconds in length, will be held at a mutually agreed time relevant to the scheduled sunset, when the ball is out of play in a neutral position.
Any player or match official breaking their fast must remain on the field of play, with the allotted time added on as extra time.
“Ramadan is a significant celebration for many players, fans and match officials,” A-Leagues CEO Steve Rosich said.
“This policy is important to safeguard the wellbeing of observing players and match officials, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to create an environment where everyone feels accepted and included within our game.”
Central Coast Mariners’ Ali Auglah is one of the players observing Ramadan over the next month and spoke about how breaks in play will help support him.
“Observing Ramadan is an incredibly important practice to me, my family and all my brothers and sisters who are practising this month,” Auglah said.
“Providing a break during the game for players observing the fast makes a difference in performance, and I take this opportunity to thank the A-Leagues, the clubs and the PFA for working together to help support the Muslim players within the A-Leagues.ˮ
PFA Chief Executive, Beau Busch added: “We strongly support the continuation of in‐play breaks for players observing Ramadan, and always support initiatives that acknowledge that players are people first. Our aim must be to ensure all players feel supported and respected in the A-Leagues.”
“Ramadan is a significant celebration for many players, fans and match officials. This policy is important to safeguard the wellbeing of observing players and match officials, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to create an environment where everyone feels accepted and included within our game.ˮ
