In soccer, full time (or FT, for short) refers to the total amount of time elapsed between the start of the match and the moment the final whistle blows. Sounds simple enough, right? It’s definitely not rocket science—but unlike other sports, where the clock stops and starts with objective precision, full time in soccer works a bit differently. 

In principle, the playtime should always equal 90 minutes, but in practice—where the clock keeps ticking even during stoppage events—the referees add extra time to the first 90 minutes to make up for playtime lost during stoppage. 

The result: time-keeping that’s equal parts art and science. It’s a big factor in the game of football, and we discuss it in more depth below.

The Duration of a Soccer Match: The Basics

A standard soccer match is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, making the total playing time 90 minutes. When you go to support your favorite national team, professional club, or even youth squad, this is the duration you’ll see on the clock. However, when that 90-minute clock stops ticking, the game will almost certainly keep going for a number of extra minutes. This is called stoppage time, and it’s calculated based on a number of factors.

Stoppage Time: What It Is and Why It’s Used

Stoppage time, also known as injury time or added time, is additional time added to the end of each half to compensate for pauses in play. The primary purpose of stoppage time is to keep the effective playing time as close as possible to 90 minutes, ensuring fairness and maintaining the game’s integrity.

Factors Contributing to Stoppage Time

Several factors can lead to the addition of stoppage time, which is typically decided by the referee. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of these factors, many of which occur in each and every soccer match.

  • Injuries: Time lost due to player injuries is one of the most common reasons for stoppage time. When an injury occurs, the referee estimates the time taken for medical treatment and player substitution, adding it to the end of the half.
  • Substitutions: Each substitution typically adds around 30 seconds to stoppage time. In modern soccer, teams are usually allowed three substitutions per match, though recent rule changes in some competitions have increased this number temporarily due to specific circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Goal Celebrations: Time taken for goal celebrations is also added to stoppage time. While celebrations are a vital part of the game’s excitement, they can consume significant minutes. (Ideally, each match has a few.)
  • Disciplinary Actions: Time spent on issuing yellow or red cards and managing on-field disputes contributes to stoppage time. These incidents often involve discussions between players and referees, which can pause the game.
  • Delays in Restarting Play: Delays can occur due to various reasons, such as retrieving the ball from out of play, or setting up for free kicks, corners, or goal kicks. Deliberate time-wasting by players, a tactic sometimes used to preserve a lead, also results in additional stoppage time.
  • Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Reviews: In leagues where VAR is implemented, reviews of certain decisions can lead to significant pauses. The time spent on VAR checks is added to the game’s total duration.

The Calculation and Announcement of Stoppage Time

So, who gets to decide on the amount of stoppage time added to the end of the first and second 45-minute halves? In nearly all cases, it’s the referee. At the end of each 45-minute half, the fourth official displays the minimum added time on an electronic board. It’s crucial to note that even this time is the minimum to be played; the referee can extend it if necessary.

The Impact of Stoppage Time

Stoppage time can significantly impact the game’s outcome, providing teams with last-minute opportunities to score or defend a lead. It adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, as the exact duration of the added time is not fixed and can vary from game to game. As any seasoned soccer fan will tell you, many games are won and lost in the few minutes of stoppage time added to the end of a match.

Play to the Final Whistle With Soccer Essentials From SoccerPro

A game of soccer is both a marathon and a sprint—for players and referees. No matter which you are, you need gear that helps you do the job from start to finish. Here at SoccerPro, we carry an extensive selection of soccer essentials and referee equipment from the world’s top brands. With everything from the latest Nike soccer cleats to licensed soccer jerseys, we have everything you need to hit the pitch (or the pub) in style.