Football games once defined by a strict ninety minutes now stretch beyond that mark. The old mantra of constant play time giving way to a simple extra minute has evolved. Today, officials may add several minutes depending on the flow of the match. The decision rests with the referee, and that core principle remains unchanged.
At a recent meeting, the Technical Referee Committee agreed on a plan to safeguard the integrity of the game, protect spectators, and curb wasted time. The plan includes extending matches when necessary, managing the growing number of substitutions, and addressing lengthy celebrations, injuries, and delays that happen during play. Even throw-ins near a tight scoreline can influence the total duration of a game.
Qatar trend
In practice, one minute tends to be added for each goal scored, based on observed celebrations. Estimates show celebrations often extend about 30 seconds more on average. Time spent on VAR reviews is also included in the overall stoppage time, ensuring fairness for both teams.
Referees operate with clear guidelines to recover lost time and are encouraged to start the stopwatch promptly during pauses. A game with multiple goals and several substitutions can easily surpass the 100-minute mark, a scenario seen in the World Cup in Qatar. This approach creates a challenging moment for the trailing side, while precise enforcement helps maintain balance across the match.
Official statements emphasize a shift toward more minutes and fewer penalties in certain situations. The head of the CTA has described penalties as light contact or low-density fouls, while a more robust approach is expected for serious or violent offenses, ensuring that the field remains safe for players and spectators alike.
not yellow hands
Discussions around handball in and around the goal area continue. The current framework penalizes deliberate handling that prevents a goal, potentially resulting in a red card. Penalties may occur for a handball that blocks a shot even if the ball does not reach the goal, but a direct red or yellow card may not always be required for every minor infraction. In penalties, referees may manage goalkeeper movements to avoid distraction or provocation from players, focusing on fair execution rather than intimidation.
Off-field personnel play a role as well. The reserve assistant referee can support the main official when violations are observed from the bench, not only those committed by coaches and substitutes. Previously, they mainly replaced the referee in injury situations. For example, if an unidentified person enters the field from the sideline, the team on the bench bears responsibility for the incident, reinforcing the accountability of the squad as a whole.