Referees' body cameras at the 2025 Club World Cup: an innovative step by FIFA.
April 8, 2025289 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In a remarkable and interesting step, FIFA has announced a new initiative that will provide fans with an unprecedented viewing experience during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, to be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. During this tournament, match officials will be equipped with small cameras attached to their bodies, in a first-of-its-kind experience at this level, aiming to capture footage from the heart of the action and from the referee's perspective. This idea is being implemented following the approval of the IFAB, responsible for setting the rules of the game, as part of an experimental phase to enhance transparency and excitement in refereeing decisions. According to FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, this initiative will open up new horizons for fans and broadcasters, allowing them to see refereeing decisions from the same angle as the referee, enhancing the audience's understanding of complex refereeing situations. Collina emphasized that these cameras not only serve spectators but also serve as an important educational tool for referees themselves, enabling them to reassess their decisions and improve their performance by watching what they have already seen during the match. In a related context, FIFA also announced a new rule aimed at reducing time-wasting by goalkeepers, as part of its ongoing efforts to speed up the pace of play and maintain the excitement of matches. This move is one of a series of updates that the organization is working on to improve the quality of the game and provide a more dynamic and fair football experience for all parties involved.