Why the final whistle can come after the added-time board

The board sets a minimum

IFAB Law 7 allows the referee to account for playing time lost to substitutions, injuries, time-wasting and other specified interruptions. The fourth official displays the minimum additional time decided by the referee.

What to watch

• Further delays during additional time can extend play beyond the number shown.
• The referee can increase the displayed minimum, but cannot reduce it.
• Additional time at the end of a half is different from extra time used in some knockout competitions.

If the board shows five minutes, a whistle after the fifth minute is not automatically a timing mistake. Look for interruptions after the board appeared. This is a viewing guide; consult the competition rules and the official Laws for the complete procedure.