Germany/Refereeing: "A consistent and uniform calculation of extra time" (A. Schwenken, DFL)

"In 2024-25, we identified a fundamental criticism: clubs did not feel that extra time was applied consistently and uniformly everywhere. We thought about how to improve this considerably. It's more of a refinement than a change. The result is clear and uniform extra time. The second video assistant will be responsible for recording the extra time, which will be communicated to the referee to ensure maximum reliability," said Ansgar Schwenken, the DFL's director of competitions and supporters, at a pre-season briefing on 12/08/2025.

"We were often criticised for our lack of uniformity. We have found an approach that guarantees traceability, transparency and predictability: for each goal celebrated and each substitution, which can give rise to several changes, 30 seconds are added on a flat-rate basis. Everything else is recorded by the Video Assistance Centre: VAR checks that interrupt play are recorded, as are injuries or other stoppages such as freshness breaks," said Knut Kircher, managing director sport and communications at "DFB Schiri GmbH," the body that manages and…