Football is a game played in two halves, but how long are these halves, and how about extra time?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the duration of a football game.
The Duration of Football Matches
Football matches typically last for a total of 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute half-time break.
However, the actual duration of a match can vary due to several factors that may extend the playing time beyond the scheduled 90 minutes.
These factors include injuries, referee decisions, penalty kicks, and the age of the players.
Factors Affecting Match Duration
- Injuries: When a player is injured and requires medical attention, the referee may add stoppage time to compensate for the time lost.
- Referee Decisions: Referees can add time to the match for various reasons, such as delays caused by substitutions, time-wasting tactics, or other interruptions.
- Penalty Kicks: The time taken for a penalty kick to be awarded, taken, and the subsequent celebration or reaction can add to the overall match duration.
- Player Age: In youth football, matches are often shorter to accommodate the physical capabilities and attention span of young players. This can vary depending on the age group, with younger players typically playing shorter matches.
Official Laws of the Game
According to the official Laws of the Game, a football match should last no longer than 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
However, in special circumstances, such as injury time or other stoppages, the match may exceed the 90-minute mark.
Additionally, if both teams and the referees agree beforehand, a match can be shorter than 90 minutes.
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The Origin of the 90-Minute Rule
The 90-minute duration of football matches has its roots in the early days of the sport in the UK.
During one of the first matches between London and Sheffield teams, there was a dispute over the duration of the game.
Eventually, it was agreed upon that matches should be 90 minutes long. This rule was then adopted as one of the fundamental rules of the game, which leagues around the world have since adopted.
Half-Time in Football
Half-time in football serves as a break between the two halves of the match and lasts for 15 minutes.
Originally, the half-time interval was only 10 minutes, but it was extended to 15 minutes in 1995.
During half-time, players have the opportunity to rest, rehydrate, receive tactical instructions from their coaches, and prepare for the second half of the match.
Purpose of Half-Time
- Rest and Recovery: Players use this time to rest and recover from the physical demands of the first half.
- Tactical Adjustments: Coaches can use the half-time break to make tactical adjustments based on their observations of the first half.
- Rehydration: Players can rehydrate and replenish their energy levels to ensure they are ready for the remainder of the match.
Extra Time in Football
If a match is tied after the 90 minutes of regular play, it may go into extra time.
Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, totaling 30 minutes. Goals scored during extra time are added to the final score of the match.
If the score remains tied after extra time, the match may be decided by a penalty shootout.
Stoppage Time (Injury Time)
Stoppage time, also known as injury time, is added to the end of each half to compensate for time lost due to delays during the match.
These delays can include injuries, substitutions, time-wasting tactics, or other interruptions.
The amount of stoppage time added is at the discretion of the referee and is typically announced to the players and spectators at the end of the half.
Factors Contributing to Stoppage Time
- Injuries: Time added for injuries that require medical attention and player treatment.
- Substitutions: Time added for player substitutions, including the player leaving the field and the replacement entering the field.
- Time-Wasting: Time added for deliberate time-wasting tactics employed by players or teams to run down the clock.
- Referee Interventions: Time added for referee interventions, such as managing player disputes or ensuring fair play.
Duration of Matches in Youth Leagues
