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Added time: why the board is a minimum

The number on the board accounts for time lost. Further stoppages can extend it.

By STRIKERS Editorial · 16 September 2026 Community
Added time: why the board is a minimum

STRIKERS editorial illustration

Report / event date 2026-09-16

Added time: why the board is a minimum

The referee allows for time lost through substitutions, injury assessment, disciplinary action, time-wasting, medical breaks, video reviews and goal celebrations. The fourth official’s displayed number is the minimum additional time. It can increase when more time is lost, but it should not be reduced. Keep the match clock and the score status separate: a score app may update after the stadium action. Wait for the confirmed full-time status before treating a result as final.

Source checked: 16 September 2026. This is an independent explanation, not an official referee decision.

Source: The IFAB · Laws of the Game ↗

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