Law 7 – The Duration of the Match

1. Periods of play

The match lasts for two equal periods of 20 minutes of playing time, which may only be reduced if permitted by competition rules.

2. Ending the periods of play

Each period, including the extra-time periods when played, ends when the designated playing time has elapsed.

The timekeeper signals the end of each period, and each period of extra time when played, with an acoustic signal that is different from the whistle used by the referees.

• The period ends when the acoustic signal sounds, even if the referees do not signal the end by blowing their whistle, unless no timekeeper is present or the signal from the timekeeper cannot be sounded due to equipment failure. If no signal from the timekeeper is forthcoming, the referees confirm that the 20 minutes of playing time or the designated playing time for extra time has elapsed and signal the end of each period with their own whistle.
• If a direct free kick beginning with the sixth accumulated foul (DFKSAF) or a penalty kick is awarded when a period is about to end, the period will be considered to have ended once the kick has been completed. Either kick is considered completed when, after the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:
  • the ball stops moving or goes out of play;
  • the ball is played by any player (including the kicker) other than the defending goalkeeper;
  • the referees stop play for an offence by the kicker or a team-mate of the kicker.

If a defending-team player commits an offence before the kick is completed, the referees continue the game by ordering a retake or awarding a further DFKSAF or penalty kick as appropriate, in line with the Futsal Laws of the Game.

• A goal scored in accordance with Laws 1 and 10 but after the end of the period, as indicated by the timekeeper with the acoustic signal, will only be allowed in the above situations.

Periods of play will not be extended in any other case.

3. Timeout

The teams are entitled to a one-minute timeout in each period.

The following conditions apply:

• The team officials are authorised to submit a request for a one-minute timeout to the third referee, or to the timekeeper if there is no third referee, using the document provided.
• The timekeeper grants a timeout using a different whistle or acoustic signal from the one used by the referees when the ball is out of play and when the team that has requested it will take the restart or receive a dropped ball in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game.
• During a timeout:
  • the players may remain on or off the pitch (in order to have a drink, the players must leave the pitch);
  • the substitutes must stay off the pitch;
  • the team officials are not allowed to give instructions on the pitch.
• Substitutions may only be made after the acoustic signal or whistle has sounded to indicate the end of the timeout.
• A team that does not request a timeout in the first period of the match is still only entitled to one timeout during the second period.
• If there is neither a third referee nor a timekeeper, a team official may ask the referees for a timeout.
• There are no timeouts allowed during extra time, if played.

4. Half-time interval

Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes. If extra time is played, there is no interval between the two periods: the teams simply change halves of the pitch and the team officials and substitutes switch benches. However, a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at half-time in extra time.

Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval, and it may be altered only with the referees’ permission.

5. Abandoned match

An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organisers determine otherwise.