What is the role of the fourth official in a soccer match?

The role of the fourth official in a soccer match is primarily to assist the referee with substitutions and manage the technical area. This involves overseeing the team benches, ensuring that the coaches and substitutes adhere to the Laws of the Game regarding behavior, and managing the flow of substitutions during the match. The fourth official is essential for maintaining order and communication between the teams and the match officials.

In addition to facilitating substitutions, the fourth official has important responsibilities for signaling any additional time added at the end of each half and can assist the referee in communicating decisions to the teams and supporters. This support plays a crucial role in ensuring the match runs smoothly and is conducted fairly.

Other roles mentioned in the options, such as officiating the match if the referee is injured, are typically handled by assistants, while recording player statistics and coaching during stoppages fall outside the designated duties of the fourth official. These responsibilities are clearly defined in the Laws of the Game, reflecting the specific role the fourth official plays in maintaining the structure and management of the match.