FIFA Planning Extending Games Up To 100 Minutes For World Cup

FIFA are looking into the possibility of extending matches to up to 100 minutes, instead of 90, ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in November.

For many countries and fans that is just too much, although the idea has had some support from certain places in the world who would welcome more chances to qualify.

Now the world football governing body are risking more backlash to their plans for the tournament, as they look into introducing 100 minute matches in time for this winter.

The issues comes from the fact that the ball doesn't actually stay in play for long in football matches, certainly not as long as might be expected.

England's top tier has the lowest percentage of the big leagues, although the Championship is even lower with just 57.2% of ball in play time.

FIFA are hoping to improve the amount of time that the game is being played by adding an extra 10 minutes, although it wouldn't improve the percentages.

The idea is said to have come directly from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose presidency is set to run until next year, when he could run again for another four year term.

Playing an extra 10 minutes would still have to be approved by International Football Association Board. IFAB, who decide on changes to the rules.

In the past it has been suggested that football use a similar clock system to the one in rugby, where the clock is paused for stoppages so the game has more ball in play action.