The duration of a football match can vary depending on the level of play and the specific competition. In general, a standard football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break in between. This means that the total playing time is typically 90 minutes. However, it’s important to note that the referee has the authority to add extra time, known as stoppage or injury time, at the end of each half to compensate for any time lost due to injuries, substitutions, or other interruptions during the game. This additional time can range from a few minutes to several minutes, depending on the circumstances of the match.
It’s worth mentioning that professional football matches often have additional time added to the end of each half due to the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology. VAR is used to review certain decisions made by the on-field referee, and this process can extend the duration of the match.
Overall, the average duration of a football match, including stoppage time, is typically around 90 to 95 minutes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the actual time can vary from match to match.