If a member of the losing team is issued a card in the last 5 minutes, does the referee have to stop the game?

In soccer, the referee has discretion regarding whether or not to stop the game when a card is issued, even in the final minutes of the match. The referee's primary responsibility is to maintain control and ensure the smooth flow of the game. If a player receives a card, the referee can allow play to continue unless the situation warrants a stoppage for reasons such as an injury or other game management considerations.

Stopping the game is not a strict requirement simply due to the timing of the card; the referee may assess the circumstances, including the nature of the foul and the need to maintain the match's pace. Thus, it's not automatic that the game stops every time a card is issued late in the match. This flexibility allows the referee to make judgments that best serve the match's overall conduct and flow.