DFL vote to display exact added time in stadiums as of January 2026

The slight tweak will be made in Germany’s stadiums to help fans, players and the media keep an exact run of time on the respective game.

The DFL General Assembly unanimously voted on Thursday, 4 December, to display the actual duration of added time in matches on scoreboards and video screens in stadiums.

Clubs from the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga are thus following a recommendation from the DFL e.V. Executive Committee with the change coming into effect on 1 January, 2026.

According to the current regulations, the clock must stop at 45:00 and 90:00 minutes, respectively, at the end of regular playing time in both halves.

The clock will still stop at the end of regular playing time, the actual added time already played will simultaneously be displayed separately on the scoreboard or video screen in the stadium. 

Provided the technical requirements are met in all German topflight and second division stadia, the referee’s added time (e.g. +4 minutes) will also be displayed during added time.

The amendment to the statutes is primarily in the interest of spectators, clubs, players, and media representatives. DFB Schiri (Referees) GmbH also agrees to this plan.