What is the outcome if the ball touches the referee and remains in play during a match?

When the ball touches the referee and stays in play, the game should continue. According to the Laws of the Game, if the ball strikes the referee while it is on the field of play and remains in play, the referee does not stop the match. The rationale behind this is that the referee is considered part of the field of play, and as long as the ball does not leave the field or create a situation that requires a stoppage, the match continues without interruption. This rule allows for a smoother flow of the game and minimizes unnecessary stoppages, ultimately benefiting the players and the overall dynamics of the match.