FIFA is set to introduce body cameras for referees at the upcoming 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, marking a significant shift in officiating transparency.
The tournament, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, will feature 32 teams across 12 stadiums in 11 cities.
The bodycams will provide fans with unprecedented on-field perspectives, as footage will be made available to broadcasters during matches.
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, stated, “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.”
This initiative follows successful trials in English grassroots football, where the use of bodycams led to a noted decline in abuse towards officials.
The technology has also been tested in top-tier matches, including a Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, and a Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
The Club World Cup will introduce ‘Ref Cam’. pic.twitter.com/voXvhz7InL
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) April 11, 2025
In addition to the bodycams, FIFA will implement a new rule to combat time-wasting by goalkeepers.
Approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), goalkeepers holding the ball for more than eight seconds will now concede a corner kick to the opposing team, replacing the previous penalty of an indirect free kick.
Referees will use a visual countdown for the final 5 seconds.
The tournament will see participation from English clubs Manchester City and Chelsea. In response to the Club World Cup’s schedule, the Premier League has opened a temporary second transfer window to allow teams to sign players before the competition begins.
FIFA’s introduction of bodycams and stricter time-wasting rules aims to enhance the viewing experience and uphold high officiating standards in this historic tournament.
