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Brian, I can only speak for FIBA rules, and under these, the referee must blow his/her whistle to signify the end of the game (or of any period for that matter). Also, under FIBA rules the referees only have power over the administration of the game up until the scoresheet has been signed by the referees. This is the complete end of the game. Any issues that arise from this point onwards (violence/abuse from players for example) can only be dealt with by either civil authorities or by the stadium/competition administrators.
As far as players/spectators getting confused as to if the final whistle is for a foul or not, the FIBA signal for the end of the game is open hand straight up (as per stopping the clock at any other time) while the signal for a foul is a clenched fist straight up with the other arm pointed at the offending player. Therefor, it is extremely unlikely for their to be any confusion as to what has been called (or not called).
Cheers
Duane
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