What happens when a football match is abandoned?
A · Advanced · How long is a match, and what stops it? · 7 of 12An abandoned match is replayed, unless the competition's rules or organisers decide otherwise. The referee can stop, suspend or abandon a match for outside interference, such as floodlight failure, objects thrown from the crowd or dangerous weather, and must not let a match continue if a team has fewer than seven players.
How it works
- Suspend: stop for a time, intending to restart, for example for fog, heavy rain or a thunderstorm.
- Abandon: end the match before its scheduled finish.
- Reasons include inadequate floodlights, an object thrown by a spectator hitting someone, and a broken crossbar that cannot be repaired.
- A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
- What happens to the result is for the competition: the default in the Laws is a replay.
Tricky cases
Does the score at the time of abandonment stand?
It depends on the competition. The Laws say the match is replayed unless the competition decides otherwise.
A team is down to six players through red cards and injuries. What happens?
The match cannot continue. A team needs at least seven players.
Why the rule exists
Safety comes first, and a match that cannot be completed fairly should not stand unless the competition has a rule for it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | Replay unless the competition decides otherwise | L7.5 |
| Individual competitions | May award the match or let the score stand | Not covered |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 1.10, 3.1, 5.3 and 7.5 and the glossary ("Abandon", "Suspend"), in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).