What is added time in football?
Added time (or stoppage time) is the extra time the referee adds at the end of each half to make up for minutes lost during the match. It isn't a clock decision: the main referee works it out.
What gets added back
| Reason | Added? |
|---|---|
| Substitutions | Yes |
| Treatment of injured players | Yes |
| Deliberate time-wasting | Yes |
| Goal celebrations | Yes |
| Disciplinary sanctions (cards) | Yes |
| VAR reviews | Yes |
| Penalty kicks | Yes |
| Slow throw-ins | Yes |
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Ver App GratisHow it's announced
Near the end of each half, the fourth official raises an electronic board with a number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). That number is the minimum of minutes added; the referee can add more if fresh stoppages occur.
Why it's so long now
Since the 2022 World Cup, FIFA tightened the criteria to add back all the time genuinely lost. The result: stoppage times of 7, 10 or even 14 minutes in matches with many interruptions. Previously, time was rounded down; now it leans towards the real total.
Added time vs extra time
- Added time: extra minutes at the end of each half (1st and 2nd) for stoppages.
- Extra time: two 15-minute periods if a knockout match is tied after 90.
FAQ
Can a goal be scored after the announced minute? Yes. The referee can extend the time if new incidents occur.
Do goal celebrations count? Yes, they are added.
Is there a maximum? Not officially. There were 2022 World Cup matches with more than 14 minutes added.
Who tells us how much time remains? The fourth official raises the board with the minimum added time.
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