Which of the following actions is within a referee's authority during a match?

A referee has the authority to make decisions that ensure the safety and fairness of the match. Terminating a match is one of these critical powers, as there are various circumstances that may necessitate such an action. For example, a match can be stopped due to severe weather conditions, crowd trouble, or other unforeseen events that could compromise the safety of players, officials, and spectators. This authority is grounded in the Laws of the Game, which allow referees to take necessary measures to maintain the integrity and safety of the match environment.

In contrast, the ability to issue fines is not within the realm of a referee's responsibilities, as this is usually managed by the governing bodies or leagues. Changing the game rules is not permissible for referees, as the rules are established by organizations such as FIFA or the respective national soccer associations. Finally, altering the halftime duration is also beyond the referee's authority, as the length of halftime is standardized and established prior to the match, ensuring consistency and fairness in all games.