Why Is There So Much Added Time In Soccer Now?

The first top-level match of the English soccer season featured very late drama. But why is there so much added time in soccer now?

The first top-level match of the English soccer season featured very late drama.

Arsenal equalized against Manchester City in the 11th minute of added time during the 2023 Community Shield game.

City boss Pep Guardiola was not happy after the match, claiming that "the big brains" had not consulted with players or managers before introducing a new method of time-keeping.

Those "big brains" are soccer's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board.

IFAB announced earlier this year that it wished to "create fairer conditions for both teams in terms of the amount of time available in a match".

New guidelines have since been issued to referees in the Premier League that will change the way the amount of added time is calculated at the end of each half.

Expect to see much more added time in the Premier League this season :: IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett

Instead of adding on a fixed or estimated amount of time for each goal celebration, substitution and VAR review, referees and their teams will be tasked with keeping a more precise record of how long the ball is out of play for around such events.

The new system's introduction in elite soccer came at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar, where an average of 10 minutes and 11 seconds were added to matches.

After being deemed a success - at least in the eyes of IFAB - it is now being recommended across all competitions and regions.