Question Number: 12120

Law 7 - Match Duration 1/29/2006

RE: Rec Adult

Ruairi Hatchell of Tokyo, Tokyo Japan asks...

This question is a follow up to question 8644

In a recent Cup semi final, it was agreed by all sides that the game would consist of 2 40 minute halves.
However after 27 minutes of the 2nd half the referee indicated there was 5 minutes left.
When pressed he said it was because the pitch was reserved until midday, so he needed to stop at 11.45 due to the need for a penalty shootout (game was tied 1-1)
The rules of the tournament said that there was no extra time, just penalties. But what of the remaining 8 minutes??

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It is difficult to comment as I do not know if the league or tournament directors imposed this on the referee.
As far as a referee's power he has NONE to CHANGE a specified match duration. TWO EQUAL periods as prescribed by law with a break in bewteen. While the reality of field use or schedualing may well be an issue I dislike your senario very much. The two 40s should be completed. I belive a protest could be launched given this information. In that 8 minutes a goal could be scored.
KFTPM should ONLY take place after a match is OVER not cut short. It feels wrong and plain smells wrong!

The Referee: LAW 5

enforces the Laws of the Game;
acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match

LAW 7 Match duration

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.