How long is half time in football? Many have asked this on Google, with the term averaging over 7,000 monthly searches.
After the opening 45 minutes, supporters often tend to hop up from their seat to go and grab a refreshment, with many wondering just how much time they have to do so until the second half begins.
So, how long is half time in football? Let’s take a look…
How long half time is in football
Well, for those of you hoping to pick up a half time pie or beer, you shouldn’t need to be in any rush.
The duration of half time in football is 15 minutes, meaning supporters have a decent window to pop to the toilet or grab a refreshment while the managers hold a teamtalk and go over some tactical details in the dressing room.
If any football club sends their players out late for the second half, they can be fined.
If the scoreline is level after 90 minutes in a knockout clash, therefore sending the tie to extra time, there is still a half time interval, albeit a significantly shorter one.
As per the Football Association’s official website, a short break not exceeding 60 seconds can take place at half time of extra time.
Interestingly, that short break can go on for longer with the permission of the referee.
When did half time change to 15 minutes?
The half time interval has not always been 15 minutes long.
Half time used to be just ten minutes long, and the rule changed in 2006 – according to Football Stadiums.
In the same way that half time of extra time can be altered by the referee, the interval after 45 minutes of normal time can also be changed at the official’s discretion.
The FA’s official website states: “Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time. Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission.”
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