How long is a futsal match, and how do timeouts work?

A match is two equal periods of 20 minutes of playing time. The length may only be reduced if the competition rules permit it.

• The timekeeper ends each period with an acoustic signal that is different from the referees' whistle, and the period ends when it sounds.
• If a penalty kick or a direct free kick from the sixth accumulated foul is awarded as a period is about to end, the period is considered ended once that kick has been completed.
• Each team is entitled to a one-minute timeout in each period. A team that does not use its timeout in the first period still has only one in the second. There are no timeouts in extra time.
• Team officials request a timeout from the third referee, or the timekeeper if there is no third referee. If there is neither, a team official may ask the referees.
• During a timeout the players may stay on or leave the pitch (they must leave to have a drink), substitutes must stay off, and team officials may not give instructions on the pitch. Substitutions can only be made after the signal ending the timeout.
• The half-time interval is not more than 15 minutes, and competition rules state its length.