Everything about a soccer match is governed by the IFAB Rules. This includes the start of a soccer game and how long a soccer match lasts. Significant adjustments are made to them by the lighting of the field, the competitors, the referee, the tournament organizer. The high ranking of the match is close to the recommendations of the IFAB – local regulations.
In recent decades, the dynamism of soccer has increased. Also the workload of players is increasing. But also the amount of unsportsmanlike behavior of athletes (simulations, time delays) is increasing. Significant amendments have been made to the rules, due to pauses in soccer. To increase net time, the referee adds time provided by non-game stops. In order to avoid excessive strain and deterioration of the players, the referee pauses for a rest of the teams or the athletes to drink water. This will be followed by a resumption of the game of soccer without changing the goal.
Length of match and halves
How long a soccer match lasts is decided before the game by the teams and the referee. Their joint verdict is in accordance with the rules of the competition. According to IFAB (International Football Council) guidelines the duration of a soccer match is 90 minutes. This time is divided into two periods. And how long is a half in soccer is calculated by dividing the total time. That is, the duration of a soccer game is two periods of 45 minutes.
How long the match lasts in soccer is decided “on the ground”. Local federations and competition organizers make significant adjustments. Major tournaments (national championships, cups) are adapted to general recommendations. And the smaller tournaments differ in time parameters. Thus, matches involving children, juniors, disabled, veterans have a total of less than 90 minutes. Reduced time is observed in friendly games. The participants of the competition reduce the duration of the match due to insufficient lighting.
IFAB does not impose strict time limits, except for one. The match is divided into two intervals – halves. Arrangements are in accordance with the regulations and are reached before the start of the match.
Halftime
How long the halftime break lasts in soccer depends on the regulations of the competition. The duration of the meeting is agreed upon by the teams and the match referee. IFAB has introduced a limit on the break in a soccer match from the maximum side. It does not exceed 15 minutes. And it does not depend on the duration of the soccer match.
The break in a soccer match between the main and extra time depends on the rules of the tournament. The length of the pause between overtimes is also set.
