Champions League Match Pauses for Ramadan Fast-Breaking in Lille

The referee halted play eight minutes into the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast after sunset, reflecting cultural sensitivity in sports.

The Champions League match between OSC Lille and Borussia Dortmund was paused after eight minutes for players observing Ramadan to break their fast.
The pause was timed to sunset, which occurred three minutes after kickoff, allowing players to consume food and drink for around 60 seconds.
Referee Sandro Schärer’s decision to permit the pause was praised as a significant gesture of respect for players' religious practices.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac acknowledged that Ramadan influenced team selection, with considerations for players' energy levels during fasting.
Ramadan, a holy month in Islam, involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset, with fast-breaking traditionally occurring after sunset.