Overview
- Early 2. Bundesliga fixtures produced several matches with over ten minutes of added time, prompting confusion among coaches, fans and media.
- Knut Kircher provided statistics showing average added time rose by less than a minute per half (5:17 this season versus 4:26 last) and emphasized that lengthy outliers are infrequent.
- Under the new protocol, the AVAR logs interruptions in real time—assigning 30 seconds for each goal or substitution and tracking VAR checks, injuries and external delays.
- The DFL welcomed the change as a ‘Nachschärfung’ to ensure consistent application rather than a new rule and said net playing time will increase only slightly.
- Officials confirmed the system will apply to the DFB-Pokal starting this weekend and to the Bundesliga from August 22, with regional workshops for referees and coaches scheduled for October 6.