The Shrinking Game: Why Actual Football is Disappearing From Czech Football
Across Europe’s top ten leagues, including the Czech First League, over six hundred matches have been played since the New Year. But a troubling trend is emerging: the amount of time the ball is actually in play is dwindling. Analysis by Opta reveals that only two games registered lower periods of active play – Casa Pia versus AFS (39:12) and Santa Clara against Estoril (40:00) in Portugal’s league.
The Czech League’s Time-Wasting Problem
The issue isn’t isolated. Slavia Prague and Liberec consistently feature among the teams with the lowest ‘ball in play’ times in the league. Slavia averages 46 minutes and 36 seconds of actual play, while Liberec clocks in at just over 46 and a half minutes. In contrast, Hradec Králové, Baník Ostrava, and Sparta Prague offer more extended periods of action, with 53:06, 52:18, and 51:42 respectively.
Did you know? The November clash between Plzeň and Slavia saw only around 38 minutes of actual play, the lowest recorded in the top ten European leagues this season.
Tactics, Fouls, and Refereeing
Some argue that opponents deliberately disrupt the flow of play against stronger teams like Slavia. Slavia coach Jindřich Trpišovský has long voiced concerns about low active play times, not just for his team but across the entire league. Yet, the team’s own aggressive and direct style contributes to frequent stoppages and the ball going out of play.
Jakub Diviš, a football analyst, points to a lack of consistency from referees. “It was nervous, unfootballing. It wasn’t a nice match. There were so many fouls. Two teams with a similar tactic and high pressing collided. As soon as one team breaks through, they try to interrupt the action to get players under the ball.”
The Role of VAR and Pitch Conditions
The introduction of VAR hasn’t helped, adding further delays to matches. The recent match between Slavia and Liberec saw three decisions reviewed by VAR, contributing to a frustratingly stop-start affair.
Poor pitch conditions, particularly after the winter break, also play a role. Many Czech pitches are in worse condition than those in more established European leagues, leading to more stoppages and a slower pace of play.
What Can Be Done?
Libor Kovařík, head of the FAČR refereeing committee, acknowledges the issue and has urged referees to be less tolerant of time-wasting. However, he emphasizes that the responsibility ultimately lies with the teams. “The referee can influence ten percent, ninety percent is on the teams,” he stated. “The Czech league has the most aerial duels. Logically, when you don’t play on the ground, Notice more fouls, the ball goes out of play more often. There are the biggest delays at corners, throw-ins, and goal kicks.”
However, many believe the refereeing in the Eden Arena match was a significant factor, with inconsistent calls and a failure to manage the game effectively.
Comparing to Europe’s Best
The data paints a stark picture. Four of the five matches with the lowest active play times in the top ten European leagues this season took place in the Czech Republic. This highlights a systemic problem that needs addressing if the league wants to improve its quality and appeal.
Pro Tip: Focusing on improving pitch quality and consistent refereeing could significantly increase the amount of actual football played in the Czech First League.
FAQ
Q: What is ‘clean time’ in football?
A: ‘Clean time’ refers to the actual amount of time the ball is in play during a match, excluding stoppages for fouls, injuries, substitutions, and other delays.
Q: Why is the Czech league struggling with clean time?
A: A combination of factors, including tactical fouling, inconsistent refereeing, poor pitch conditions, and the use of VAR contribute to the problem.
Q: What can be done to improve the situation?
A: Improving pitch quality, consistent refereeing, and encouraging teams to play more fluidly are key steps.
What are your thoughts on the state of Czech football? Share your opinions in the comments below!
