FIFA intends to extend games by up to 100 minutes for the World Cup

 

 

Before the World Cup in Qatar in November, FIFA is looking at the idea of extending matches to up to 100 minutes instead of 90.

 

FIFA has faced a lot of backlash in recent months after proposing that World Cups be held every two years instead than every four.

For many nations and supporters, it is simply too much, while the concept has received some support from countries that would welcome extra opportunities to qualify.

Now, the world football governing body is considering implementing 100-minute matches in time for the competition this winter, risking even greater outrage.

 

FIFA is trying to lengthen match duration by ten minutes, according to Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, in order to combat ball in play times during games.

The problem stems from the fact that in football games, the ball does not stay in play for very long, definitely not as long as one may assume.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the ball only stays in play for 64.7 percent of Champions League matches, and just 62 percent of Premier League matches.

England’s top division has the lowest proportion of ball in play time among the major leagues, with the Championship even lower at 57.2 percent.

 

The idea is reported to have originated with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose tenure ends next year, after which he might seek for another four-year term.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which decides on rule amendments, would still have to accept the extra 10 minutes of play.