Why stoppage time can run beyond the board
Understand minimum added time and why 90+5 does not guarantee a whistle at 95:00.
The board is a minimum
IFAB Law7 requires allowance for time lost in each half. Causes include substitutions, injury assessment or removal, time wasting, disciplinary sanctions, permitted medical breaks, VAR delays, goal celebrations and significant delays to restarts.
The fourth official shows the minimum additional time decided by the referee. It may be increased but not reduced. A further interruption during that period can therefore extend play beyond the number shown.
Read the minute carefully
A hypothetical 90+5 display places play beyond the 90-minute mark. Providers present added minutes differently. That display does not itself prove what the board originally showed or promise that the match is about to finish.
If play reaches 90+7 after a board showed five, check events during added time rather than immediately assuming an error. The referee remains responsible for ending the half. If a penalty must be taken or retaken, the half is extended until the kick is completed.
Added time is not extra time
Stoppage time is part of the relevant half. Extra time is another phase used when the competition requires it. A level score after normal time does not automatically send every match into extra time.
On ScoreZaap, combine the minute with score, status and latest event. A motionless clock can reflect a pause or delayed update; it does not prove full time. Wait for a confirmed final status before sharing the result. The examples here explain the rule and are not claims about a particular referee's decision.