How it works
The referee calculates stoppage time for substitutions, injuries, delays, reviews, and other interruptions. It is shown as a minimum, so play can continue beyond the displayed number.
What people often miss
Extra time normally consists of two additional halves under competition rules. If the match remains tied, a penalty shootout may follow, but many league matches simply end in a draw.
Why this question comes up
Tournament broadcasts often use both terms in the same match, which makes them easy to confuse.
Key points
- Stoppage time is added to the end of each half to replace time lost during play. Extra time is an additional period used in some knockout matches that are tied after regulation.
- The referee calculates stoppage time for substitutions, injuries, delays, reviews, and other interruptions. It is shown as a minimum, so play can continue beyond the displayed number.
- Extra time normally consists of two additional halves under competition rules. If the match remains tied, a penalty shootout may follow, but many league matches simply end in a draw.
Bottom line
Stoppage time is added to the end of each half to replace time lost during play. Extra time is an additional period used in some knockout matches that are tied after regulation.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against IFAB Laws of the Game. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.