Source:REUTERS/Chris Radburn
[Saba Sports News] Recently, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially announced that there will be a pause for iftar during the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup. The AFC stated that it reaffirms its commitment to player welfare and inclusivity, and will implement competition regulations to allow for the breaking of fast during Ramadan. This regulation will be introduced for the first time in the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026. The initiative will schedule short pauses in designated matches that coincide with iftar times, allowing fasting players and officials to safely break their fast while maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring full compliance with competition rules. The pauses will be implemented during natural breaks in the game, such as goal kicks, throw-ins, or free kicks in non-threatening areas, to minimize disruption to the flow of the match and avoid interrupting any imminent attacks. The pauses will be strictly limited to the purpose of breaking the fast and will not be considered as hydration or cooling breaks, nor as tactical timeouts. Fasting players and officials will replenish their energy at the sidelines while other players and officials remain on the field.
The editor believes that the AFC demonstrates its commitment to player welfare and inclusivity. The implementation of this regulation will show respect for religious beliefs and cultural diversity, reflecting the increasing social responsibility and humanitarian concerns within the sports community.