On this page you will find the rules about The Duration of the Soccer Match. To find other rules of soccer the pull down list located at the top left corner of this page will allow for easy navigating to other soccer rules. If you wish to just download the PDF that contains all the rules, Click here. The rules of the game are subject to change so check with FIFA to ensure these rules are up to date.

Periods of Play
The match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise
mutually agreed between the referee and the two participating teams.
Any agreement to alter the periods of play (for example to reduce
each half to 40 minutes because of insufficient light) must be made
before the start of play and must comply with competition rules.

Half-Time Interval
Players are entitled to an interval at half-time.
The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes.
Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval.
The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with the
consent of the referee.

Allowance for Time Lost
Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through:
• substitution(s)
• assessment of injury to players
• removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment
• wasting time
• any other cause

The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

Penalty Kick
If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the duration of either half
is extended until the penalty kick is completed.

Abandoned Match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide
otherwise.