Introduction of Referee Body Cameras
In a significant move for football officiating, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has authorized the expanded use of referee body cameras in domestic and international competitions around the globe. This decision comes after the technology received positive feedback during trials conducted at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Implementation and Permissions
Competitions interested in adopting this technology will need to obtain permission from both IFAB and FIFA, mirroring the protocols established for other officiating advancements like in-stadium VAR notifications. Among those considering the technology’s implementation is the Premier League, with plans for its adoption in the 2025-26 season still under evaluation.
Trial and Feedback
The landmark introduction of referee body cameras began in May 2024, when Jarred Gillett, a Premier League referee, donned the equipment during a match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. However, the footage from this event was not immediately available for public viewing and served primarily as a promotional tool for match officials.
Originally, the body camera trial was confined to FIFA-sanctioned events before being rolled out for live match broadcasts at the Club World Cup held in the United States that summer. The initiative aimed to provide an innovative viewing angle, allowing audiences to experience the game through the referee’s perspective. Pierluigi Collina, leading the FIFA referees committee, remarked in April that this new viewpoint would enhance the viewing experience, exceeding initial expectations after the tournament concluded.
Goals and Future Prospects
The trial phase’s goal was to explore the potential application of body cameras in officiating and establish pertinent safety and quality standards. Following the evaluation, IFAB indicated that other competitions could now participate in trials and offer insights and feedback based on their experiences.
The concept of utilizing body cameras was first introduced at the grassroots level in English football in 2023, aiming to foster better conduct between players, fans, and match officials. Collina emphasized the broader implications of this technology in aiding referee training and enhancing understanding of on-field decisions, stating,
“We had the possibility to see what the referee sees on the field of play, and this was not only for entertainment purposes.”
