Fourth Official in Soccer: Duties, Substitutions and Added Time

The fourth official in soccer is a match official who assists the referee and the rest of the officiating team from near the touchline. Fans most often notice the person holding an electronic substitution board or displaying the minimum amount of additional time, but those tasks are only part of the job. Under the International Football Association Board’s current Law 6, “The Other Match Officials”, the fourth official also oversees several practical matters that keep a match organized.

Unlike an assistant referee, who regularly runs along the touchline to judge offside and the ball leaving play, the fourth official usually works around the technical areas and halfway line. The exact set of match officials and the procedure for replacing an injured referee depend on the competition’s rules.

What does the fourth official do during a soccer match?

IFAB identifies several core assistance duties. The fourth official helps supervise substitutions, checks a player’s or substitute’s equipment, monitors how players re-enter after permission from the referee, and supervises replacement match balls. The official also communicates the minimum amount of additional time designated by the referee and reports irresponsible behavior by people in the technical area.

These jobs are related but not interchangeable. Helping manage a substitution does not give the fourth official sole authority to change the match’s total playing time, and controlling a substitution board does not mean that the person personally decides every disciplinary action.

Why does the fourth official hold up a numbered board?

Player substitutions

When a team makes a permitted substitution, the electronic board typically shows the outgoing player’s number and the incoming player’s number. The fourth official checks the procedure at the halfway line and coordinates with the referee’s permission for the substitution to take place. Different competitions have different substitution limits, so fans should check the applicable competition rules. Our soccer substitutions guide explains the broader framework.

Additional or stoppage time

Near the end of a half, the official displays the minimum additional minutes that the referee has determined. For example, a board displaying “+5” means at least five additional minutes—not necessarily exactly five minutes or an upper limit. Further delays during added time can cause the half to run longer. Learn the distinction in our stoppage-time explainer.

Who actually decides how much added time is played?

The referee decides. The fourth official communicates the minimum additional time using the board and supporting match procedures. A substitution near the end of a half, a prolonged injury stoppage or another delay can extend the time beyond the amount displayed. The referee still decides when to end the half.

This matters when fans argue that the fourth official “gave” the teams more time. The visible board is a communication tool. The referee’s timekeeping and discretion determine the actual duration in accordance with the Laws.

Can a fourth official give a yellow or red card?

The fourth official can report misconduct and other irresponsible behavior to the referee, especially in the technical area. The referee has the final authority to take disciplinary action during the match. Even if the fourth official witnesses a confrontation or inappropriate behavior by a coach, the card or other sanction is a refereeing decision, not a separate disciplinary jurisdiction exercised by the board holder.

The fourth official’s monitoring is particularly useful because the referee may be watching play many yards away from the benches. Competition protocols and communication systems let the officiating team exchange information without distracting from active play.

Where does the fourth official stand?

Usually close to the halfway line between or near the teams’ technical areas. The position offers a clear place to coordinate incoming and outgoing substitutes, check player equipment, communicate with coaching staff and operate the substitution board.

It is not the same as patrolling the full length of a touchline with a flag. That is more commonly the role of an assistant referee. Officials may adjust their exact locations according to stadium facilities and competition protocols.

Can the fourth official replace the referee?

Potentially, but the procedure is not the same in every competition. IFAB Law 6 says the competition rules must state who replaces an official who cannot start or continue. If the referee becomes unable to carry on, the regulations must specify whether the fourth official, a senior assistant referee or another eligible match official takes over.

That is why a video of one match does not establish a universal rule for every league. Check the competition’s regulations if you want to know the replacement order for a particular tournament.

Fourth official vs. assistant referee vs. VAR

For the third role, see our VAR review rules guide. These roles are coordinated; they do not operate as three separate teams with conflicting authority.

Frequently asked questions

Is the fourth official the person who chooses substitutions?

No. Coaches choose eligible substitutes subject to competition rules, and the referee authorizes the procedure. The fourth official supervises key administrative steps.

Does the fourth official decide the final whistle?

No. The official displays the referee’s minimum additional time; the referee decides when to end play.

Why can the board show five minutes but play continue for seven?

The amount shown is a minimum. Further delays during the added period can require more playing time.

Does every amateur soccer match need a fourth official?

No. The appointment of additional match officials depends on the competition and the available officiating structure.

Source and review date

IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6: The Other Match Officials (especially section 6.2, Fourth Official). This article explains the responsibilities in plain English and distinguishes IFAB requirements from competition-specific procedures. Verified October 11, 2026.