In a bid to improve technology in sport officiating, referees at this year’s Club World Cup will wear body cameras, allowing fans and broadcasters to experience the game from a whole new perspective. The initiative, which will be implemented on a trial basis, was approved by IFAB, the sport’s lawmakers, last month. FIFA announced the change on Tuesday, setting the stage for a more immersive viewing experience.
Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, expressed excitement about the innovation, highlighting how it will enhance the viewing experience. “We think that it is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision which was never offered before,” said Collina. The cameras will also serve a practical purpose, aiding in referees’ post-match debriefings and coaching. By allowing officials to review the exact view they had during key moments, the technology aims to improve decision-making and transparency.
In addition to the body cameras, the Club World Cup will also see a crackdown on time-wasting by goalkeepers. Under new rules, goalkeepers will be penalized for holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds, with a corner awarded to the opposing team. This adjustment aims to address a common issue, as the current six-second rule is rarely enforced.
The 32-team competition in the United States will provide an exciting opportunity to test these innovations, both for improving the game and offering fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at the refereeing process. As FIFA pushes for enhanced officiating standards, the 2025 Club World Cup could mark the beginning of a new era in football technology.
