The referee camera technology (Ref-CAM) will probably be deployed in the Premier League in the next season, after FIFA appreciates the testing efficiency at the FIFA Club World Cup.
At the tournament held in the US, the referees wore a camera mounted on their eyes, integrated into their headphones. TV viewers were impressed with close -up angles, especially Pedro Neto's beautiful scoring moment for Chelsea into LafC.
This positive effect has facilitated the technology to be implemented early, and the Premier League organizers are very excited to take advantage. The Head of the FIFA Arbitration Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said: “The Ref-Cam test results at the 2025 Club Cup 2025 have far exceeded our expectations.
We think this will be an interesting experience for TV viewers – and indeed received countless positive feedbacks. Many people also ask: 'Why not apply to all matches?' – Even: 'Why not for all sports?' '.
The International Law Council (IFAB) has expected the use of the referee camera will help improve the behavior of the player on the field, when they approve the test at the annual meeting in Belfast in February.
However, Mr. Collina also believes that this technology plays an important role in explaining the audience the reason for the referee to make a decision. The former referee said: “We can see exactly what the referee observes on the field.
This not only serves entertainment purposes, but also to train referees and illustrate why there are situations that cannot be observed. For example, the Atletico vs PSG match, there is a hand -touch situation but the referee does not see.
From the Ref-Cam rotation angle, it is clear that the referee cannot observe that situation. Var then intervened and helped PSG enjoy the penalty. “
IFAB was previously awaiting feedback from FIFA to make a decision on expansion of Ref-CAM. But with strong support from Collina, there can be no big problem that prevents the application of this technology widely.
The Premier League is now considering conducting experiments across the tournament from the next season, after two previous tests:
Rob Jones was the first referee to wear a camera when controlling Chelsea vs Brighton in the pre -season period at Philadelphia in July 2023. Jarred Gillett also brought this device in the Crystal Palace match to win Man United 4-0 in May 2024.
However, unlike the Club World Cup, Gillett's camera was not broadcast live, but only 4 days later, before the Premier League produced a 25 -minute program in December.
The Premier League Organizing Committee supports all improvements to enhance the experience for fans, both at the stadium and via television. Accordingly, the clubs are also considering following FIFA by broadcasting the image from VAR on the big screen at the stadium, while the referee reviews the situation.
If IFAB “green light” in the next week's meeting is expected, Ref-Cam cameras can be used right at this year's Summer Series with the presence of MU, Bournemouth, Everton and West Ham, with matches that take place in New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta.
This will give clubs the opportunity to finally evaluate before voting the official implementation decision in the new season, starting next month.
