Why is there so much added time in football matches this season?

FOOTBALL has returned after a much-needed summer break.

But you may be wondering why the matches are now running a lot longer than they used to…

PAIncredibly long matches are the norm under new rules[/caption]

Why is there so much added time in football matches this season?

The Premier League and EFL have launched a strict approach to cut down on time-wasting and increase ball-in-play time this season.

As seen in the 2022 World Cup and Womens World Cup taking place in Australia, games are likely to consistently last for more than 100 minutes.

The EFL released a statement on their website on how they plan to enhance ball-in-play time.

It includes adding more time for injuries and goals, and a blitz on time-wasting tactics.

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The statement reads: “As the game collectively looks to enhance the amount of time the ball is in play in the forthcoming campaign, the exact time lost when certain game events occur will now be added. 

“In previous seasons the policy was to add on a nominal period of time for certain game events. The events include:

Goals and subsequent celebrationsSubstitutionsInjuries and treatment time (if required)Penalties (from moment of offence to the whistle for the penalty kick)Red cards (from moment of offence to when the player leaves the field)

“Alongside a more accurate allowance for time lost during the game, the EFL will also adopt the multi-ball system, which has been proven to increase ball in-play time.”

“Match officials will also be taking a more robust approach to dealing with clear/deliberate actions that are impactful in delaying the restart of play, with players cautioned if they are guilty of:

Delaying the restart of playFailing to respect the required distance at free-kicks.”