FOOTBALL fans are rejoicing over a rule change which means stadium clocks will now show added time at the end of each half.
EFL scoreboards or giant screen timers will run until the completion of the half – rather than stopping at 45 and 90 minutes.
It comes as a result of IFAB guidance following the introduction of a new approach to timekeeping.
The step has been taken to improve the “transparency” of the game as fans will be more informed as to how much time remains.
According to The Mail, Howard Webb and the PGMOL, the referees’ body, had a major say in the decision to change stadium clocks.
The alteration will be enforced in the Championship, League One and League Two where technology permits it.
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It is not yet clear whether the stadium clocks will show added time in the Premier League.
In response to the change, one fan said: “Thank the lord I think these footballing governing bodies are finally waking up ❤️⚽️.”
While another added: “About time.”
A third responded: “Love that, won’t have to guess how much time is left anymore 😅.”
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And a fourth replied: “Good idea. Hated the fact that it would get to 90 minutes and just stop.”
More minutes are expected to be played this season in an attempt to combat time wasting.
This is set to mirror the time added during the Men’s World Cup last year and the Women’s World Cup that is currently being held.
It comes after FA chief David Dein hinted at a possible change earlier this year.
He told The Times: “The time has come for transparency via a countdown clock so the public can actually see how much time is left. It should not be a national secret.
“I’m not saying the clock should be stopped every time the ball goes out of play, but certainly for those incidents which cause the greatest delays: goal celebrations, substitutions, penalties, injuries and now VAR checks.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
