Why Time is Added
The referee adds time for:
• Substitutions
• Assessment/removal of injured players
• Time-wasting
• Disciplinary action (cards)
• VAR reviews
• Goal celebrations
• Any other cause
How Much Time?
The fourth official displays the minimum added time:
• Typically 1-5 minutes per half
• The 2022 World Cup saw unusually long stoppage times
• England vs Iran had 14 minutes added in the first half
2022 World Cup Changes
FIFA instructed referees to:
• More accurately calculate lost time
• Add time for goal celebrations (typically 1 min per goal)
• Add time for VAR reviews
• This led to 10+ minute stoppage times in many matches
Can the Referee End Early?
The referee can end the half at any point after the minimum time shown. They might:
• End exactly at the minimum
• Add more time for further stoppages
• But cannot end before the minimum shown