In the world of soccer, few abbreviations are as significant as “FT.” Standing for Full Time, this term signals the conclusion of regulation play and often determines the final outcome of a match. For new fans and seasoned spectators alike, understanding the nuances of FT is essential for interpreting scoreboards, league tables, and tournament brackets.
Full Time officially occurs when the referee blows the final whistle after the allotted 90 minutes of play, plus any additional time added for stoppages. This moment marks the cessation of standard hostilities between the two teams. In league formats, this is the definitive end of the contest, resulting in a win, loss, or draw.
However, the concept of Full Time can become complex during knockout tournaments or matches requiring a definitive winner. Distinctions between Full Time, Extra Time (AET), and Penalty Shootouts are crucial for understanding how competitions progress. This guide explores the technical definitions, timekeeping regulations, and tactical implications surrounding the end of a soccer match.
Defining Full Time Under the Laws of the Game
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) governs the rules of soccer, officially known as the Laws of the Game. Law 7, titled “The Duration of the Match,” establishes the framework for what constitutes a standard game. A regulation match consists of two equal periods of 45 minutes, separated by a half-time interval that must not exceed 15 minutes.
Full Time is reached when these two 45-minute halves have been completed, along with any time the referee deems necessary to compensate for delays. Unlike sports with a stop-clock (like basketball or American football), the clock in soccer runs continuously. It does not stop when the ball goes out of play or when a foul is committed.
Because the clock never stops, the referee is the sole authority on how much time remains. The stadium clock or TV graphic is merely a guide for spectators. The official time is kept on the referee’s wristwatch, and the match only ends when they decide that the required duration of play has been fulfilled.
The Mechanics of Stoppage Time and Injury Time
One of the most common points of confusion regarding Full Time is why a match rarely ends exactly at the 90:00 mark. This is due to “stoppage time,” also frequently referred to as “injury time” or “added time.” The referee is mandated to add time to the end of each half to account for specific disruptions that occurred during play.
According to IFAB regulations, allowances must be made for time lost through substitutions, assessment and removal of injured players, wasting time, and disciplinary sanctions (yellow or red cards). Additionally, significant delays caused by VAR (Video Assistant Referee) checks or medical drinks breaks are also factored into this calculation.
Towards the end of the second half, the Fourth Official on the sideline will raise an electronic board displaying a number, such as “3” or “5.” This indicates the minimum amount of minutes the referee intends to add. The referee can extend play beyond this indicated time if further delays occur, but they cannot reduce it. Full Time is only declared once this added period has elapsed.
Full Time vs. After Extra Time (AET)
In many competitions, specifically domestic leagues like the English Premier League or Major League Soccer (regular season), the match ends definitively at Full Time. If the score is tied, the result is recorded as a draw, and both teams share the points. However, knockout tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Champions League require a winner to advance to the next round.
If the scores are level at Full Time in these knockout scenarios, the match does not end. Instead, it transitions into a new phase known as Extra Time. This consists of two additional periods of 15 minutes each. It is vital to distinguish between “FT” (the score after 90 minutes + stoppage) and “AET” (the score After Extra Time, which is 120 minutes + stoppage).
Statistics and records often treat these differently. For betting and historical record-keeping, the result at Full Time is often what counts. For example, if a team draws 1-1 at FT but wins 2-1 AET, the match is historically noted as a draw in regulation time for certain statistical purposes, even though the team advanced.
The Penalty Shootout and Match Conclusion
When a knockout match remains tied even after the 30 minutes of Extra Time, the game proceeds to kicks from the penalty mark, commonly known as a penalty shootout. This is a distinct procedure used solely to determine which team progresses or wins the trophy. It is not considered part of the match’s playing time.
Technically, the match is considered drawn at the end of Extra Time. The shootout is a tie-breaking method. Scoreboards will often display the status as “PEN” to indicate this phase. The goals scored during a shootout do not count towards a player’s individual goal-scoring records or the final match score in the traditional sense; they are recorded separately (e.g., “Match finished 1-1, Team A won 5-4 on penalties”).
Understanding this hierarchy—Regulation (FT), Extra Time (AET), and Penalties—is crucial for accurately interpreting match reports. A game that goes to penalties is a long, grueling affair that tests the physical and mental endurance of the players far beyond the initial Full Time whistle.
Tactical Management in the Dying Minutes
The approach of Full Time drastically alters the tactics employed by managers and players. This phase of the game, often called “closing out the match,” involves specific strategies designed to manage the clock and secure a favorable result. Teams holding a narrow lead will often prioritize defensive solidity over attacking intent.
Common tactics include keeping possession in the corner flags to prevent the opposition from getting the ball, making late substitutions to disrupt the rhythm of the game, and clearing the ball long distances to consume seconds. Conversely, the trailing team will commit more players forward, often leaving their defense exposed in a desperate bid to score before the referee blows the whistle.
This period is psychologically intense. The concept of “Fergie Time,” named after former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, refers to the perception that top teams exert immense pressure in the final moments, often scoring late goals. The uncertainty of exactly when the referee will end the game adds to the drama and urgency of these final exchanges.
The Impact of VAR on Match Duration
The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has significantly impacted the timing of Full Time. Reviews for goals, penalties, and red cards can take several minutes to complete. Under the current laws, referees are instructed to strictly account for this lost time, leading to much longer stoppage time periods than in previous decades.
It is now common to see stoppage time exceeding ten minutes in matches with multiple video reviews or serious injuries. This extension changes the physical demands on players, who must maintain concentration and stamina well past the traditional 90-minute mark. Full Time is no longer a predictable endpoint but a fluid target that depends heavily on the flow of the match.
Additionally, if a penalty kick is awarded or a VAR review is initiated just as time expires, the referee must extend the half to allow the penalty to be taken or the review to be completed. The half cannot end until the penalty kick procedure is finished, meaning Full Time can technically occur several minutes after the clock has stopped ticking.
FAQ
Does Full Time always mean 90 minutes?
In professional adult soccer, yes, the regulation time is 90 minutes. However, in youth leagues, veteran matches, or specific friendly tournaments, the duration may be reduced to 80, 70, or even 60 minutes. The referee and both teams must agree on any modification to the duration before the match begins.
What is the difference between FT and HT?
HT stands for Half Time, which occurs after the first 45 minutes of play. It is a break interval allowing players to rest and coaches to adjust tactics. FT stands for Full Time, which occurs after the second 45-minute half and signals the end of the regulation match.
Does a goal scored in stoppage time count the same?
Yes, a goal scored in the 90+5th minute is equal in value to a goal scored in the first minute. Stoppage time is considered part of the regulation half. These late goals are often the most dramatic as they leave the opposing team with little to no time to respond before Full Time is called.
Can a referee blow the whistle for Full Time early?
Referees are expected to play the full allotted time. Ending a match early without a valid reason (such as a match abandonment due to weather or crowd trouble) can lead to the match being replayed or the referee facing disciplinary action. The only exception is if the duration was mistakenly timed, but this is rare in professional football.
What happens if a penalty is awarded exactly at Full Time?
The Laws of the Game state that time must be extended to allow a penalty kick to be taken at the end of either half. The referee cannot blow the final whistle until the kick has been completed (scored, saved, or missed). Once the penalty outcome is decided, the referee will then signal Full Time.
Does Full Time include the penalty shootout?
No. Full Time refers specifically to the end of the regulation 90 minutes (plus stoppage time). If a match goes to a penalty shootout, that is a separate tie-breaking procedure that happens after Extra Time. Scoreboards usually distinguish between the score at FT and the final result after penalties.
Why do some matches have 10+ minutes of added time?
Modern directives from FIFA and IFAB encourage referees to calculate lost time more precisely. If a match sees multiple goals (and subsequent celebrations), VAR checks, and injuries, the referee adds all those seconds together. This ensures the ball is in play for a fair amount of time, resulting in longer stoppage periods.
