Question Number: 30561

Law 7 - Match Duration 7/3/2016

RE: Semi-Pro Adult

George of Surprise, AZ USA asks...

I have a question in reference to the duration of soccer match, but in specific, to the rule that defines a soccer match to be considered finished. An example that I would like to bring is the current Euro 2016. Germany beat Italy applying the penalty kick extension. I know that somehow one of the two teams has to be declared the winner, but when does the FIFA official rules and regulations declare the actual game over? Is it right after the two extra time halves of 15 minutes? Because the score will always show 0 - 0, but with the added goals from the penalty kicks.
Thank you very much
Very Respectfully

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi George
A game is 90 minutes long and the game is over at end of 90 minutes of play.
When competition rules require a winning team such as in a tournament that moves into the knock out phase the only permitted procedures to determine the winning team after a drawn game are: # extra time # kicks from the penalty mark. In non tournament play there is also the option of away goals counting double in home and away games.
Obviously in a tournament a replay or two games is not possible so the organisers are left with extra time and if that does not result in a winner then it is KFTPM.
The result will shown goals scored at the end of extra time so it would read 1-1 AET (6-5 on penalties) in the case of Germany v Italy. That tells me that after 120 minutes of play it was a draw and that Germany won on penalties.
Declaring when the game over is not a consideration. It is the result that counts. It can be a consideration in betting such as goals scored, cautions etc.