Football rules: Understanding match duration and offside

Football matches officially consist of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime interval, a standard established in 1866. However, actual match durations often exceed 90 minutes due to stoppage time and potential extra time.

Stoppage time is determined by the central referee, who accounts for factors such as player substitutions, medical interventions, goal celebrations, and disciplinary actions. While the fourth official indicates the minimum time, the referee holds the final authority on the duration.

Additionally, the offside rule remains a complex aspect of the sport governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). A player is in an offside position if, at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, they are in the opponent's half and closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. The distinction between passive and active offside is crucial, as a player is only penalized if they actively interfere with play or an opponent.