What authority do referees have under the Laws during matches?

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Referees Possess Full Authority to Enforce Match Laws

Referees hold complete authority to enforce the Laws of the Game during football matches. Their decisions, made to the best of their ability according to the Laws and the "spirit of the game," are based on their individual judgment and discretion. These decisions regarding factual aspects of play, including match outcomes and whether a goal is scored, are considered final and must be respected by all participants.
Power to Issue Disciplinary Actions

Referees are empowered to impose disciplinary measures on players who commit cautionable or sending-off offenses. This authority includes the issuance of yellow cards to caution players and red cards to send them off the field. These cards serve as official communication of the referee's disciplinary decisions.
Finality of On-Field Decisions

Decisions made by referees on the field of play are stipulated to be final and generally cannot be reviewed by FIFA's judicial bodies. While there are limited exceptions for "obvious errors," such reviews are typically confined to the disciplinary consequences of a decision, rather than overturning the factual outcome itself.
Respect for Match Officials' Judgments

The Laws of the Game emphasize that the decisions of the referee, along with those of all other match officials, must always be respected. This principle underscores the importance of maintaining order and finality in the officiating process, ensuring the integrity of the match.

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What authority do referees have under the Laws during matches?

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