Football matches to be reduced from 90 minutes under radical proposal submitted to IFAB

One of the most significant rule changes in football history might soon be implemented, influenced by the connection between two notable figures in the Premier League.

David Dein, a former vice-chairman of Arsenal, is a strong advocate for a proposal to shorten the duration of a football match from 90 minutes.

After his tenure with Arsenal, Dein has kept a close bond with club icon Arsène Wenger, with whom he worked for over ten years and has remained friends for nearly three decades.

Now that Wenger is the head of global football development at FIFA and a key member of the International FA Board, it’s likely he will give serious thought to Dein’s proposal. Dein argues that it’s unreasonable to expect referees to add accurate stoppage time at the end of each half, suggesting instead that matches should consist of two 30-minute halves where the clock stops for interruptions.

In a discussion on talkSPORT’s Sunday Edition, the 81-year-old remarked, “I’ve asked Premier League referees if the time displayed by the fourth official for stoppage is accurate to the last ten seconds.

“The response is always ‘No, no chance’.

“We need clarity on the duration of a football match, so my proposal is straightforward.

“The typical ball-in-play time in the Premier League and most Western European matches is around 55 to 57 minutes.

“I propose real-time halves of 30 minutes each, where the ball is actively in play for that duration.

“We should have a visible clock to track remaining time.”

Dein referenced England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, noting that over nine minutes of actual play were lost during the match, yet only four minutes were added at the end. He explained, “Goal celebrations can take about two minutes, a VAR review might also be two minutes, injuries could add one or two minutes, plus substitutions. Overall, that can easily total ten minutes.

“This is consistently more than what gets added on.

“I would like to see the clock stop whenever time is wasted.”

Dein also revealed he has spoken to two top Premier League referees about this idea, stating, “I’ve talked to Howard Webb and Anthony Taylor, who expressed their support.

“The next step is for IFAB to consider a trial.”