How Many Referees in Football? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · July 23, 2044

There are typically four match officials in a professional football (soccer) game: one referee, two assistant referees (linesmen), and a fourth official. In top-tier competitions, additional roles such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Assistant VAR may also be present, bringing the total to six or more.

The Role of the On-Field Referees

The core officiating team consists of three on-field officials who enforce the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Their responsibilities ensure fair play, player safety, and accurate decision-making during matches.

Main Referee

The central figure in match officiating, the main referee has full authority to enforce the rules throughout the game. This includes awarding fouls, issuing yellow and red cards, managing timekeeping, and making final decisions on goals, penalties, and stoppages.

Positioned on the field, following play closely
Final decision-maker on all incidents
Communicates with assistant referees and VAR team
Responsible for disciplinary actions

Assistant Referees (Linesmen)

Two assistant referees patrol the touchlines, primarily assisting the main referee with offside calls, throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal determinations.

Signal when the ball fully crosses the touchline or goal line
Raise flags to indicate offside positions
Help monitor player behavior during set pieces
Support the referee in identifying fouls outside their view

The Fourth Official and Additional Officials

Beyond the traditional trio, modern football includes supplementary officials to enhance accuracy and operational efficiency.

Fourth Official

Stationed beside the technical areas, the fourth official manages substitutions, monitors coaching staff conduct, and assists with timekeeping. They may also replace the main referee if necessary.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Introduced in major leagues since 2018, the VAR system uses video replay technology to review clear errors in four key situations:

Goals and offenses leading up to them
Penalty decisions
Direct red card incidents
Mistaken identity in disciplinary sanctions

The VAR team typically includes one VAR, one Assistant VAR (AVAR), and a replay operator. They communicate via headset with the on-field referee.

Referee Numbers Across Different Competitions

The number of referees varies depending on the level and format of play. Below is a breakdown of officiating teams in various football formats.

Competition Level	On-Field Referees	Fourth Official	VAR System	Total Officials
Premier League (England)	3	1	Yes	6
Bundesliga (Germany)	3	1	Yes	6
La Liga (Spain)	3	1	Yes	6
Major League Soccer (USA)	3	1	Yes	6
FIFA World Cup	3	1	Yes	6+
EFL Championship (England)	3	1	No	4
Youth Recreational League	1–2	0	No	1–2

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that elite professional leagues consistently employ six match officials due to the inclusion of VAR technology. Lower-tier domestic leagues without VAR typically operate with four officials. Youth and amateur games often reduce staffing to one or two referees for practicality and cost-efficiency.

Evolution of Refereeing in Football

Football refereeing has evolved significantly over the past century. Initially, only a single referee was used until assistant referees were introduced in the early 20th century. The fourth official became standard in the 1990s, while VAR was officially integrated into IFAB’s Laws of the Game in 2018 after extensive trials.

This progression reflects football’s commitment to fairness and precision. Technology like goal-line systems and VAR aims to minimize human error while preserving the flow of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Referees

How many referees are there in a standard football match?

A standard professional football match features four on-field officials: one referee, two assistant referees, and a fourth official. In leagues using VAR, two additional video officials bring the total to six.

What does the fourth official do in football?

The fourth official manages substitutions, oversees the conduct of coaches and substitutes, displays added time at the end of each half, and can replace another match official if needed. They act as a liaison between the referee and team personnel.

Do all football matches have VAR?

No, not all football matches use VAR. It is primarily implemented in top-tier professional leagues and major international tournaments. Lower divisions and youth leagues generally do not have access to VAR due to cost and infrastructure requirements.

Can the referee change a decision after consulting VAR?

Yes, the on-field referee can change a decision after reviewing footage with the VAR. This happens when the VAR identifies a clear and obvious error in one of four key areas: goals, penalties, red cards, or mistaken identity.

Why are there two assistant referees in football?

Two assistant referees are positioned on opposite touchlines to provide better angle coverage for offside calls, throw-ins, and determining whether the ball has left the field of play. Their positioning helps ensure accurate spatial judgment across the entire width of the pitch.