By Gwurld4026 
Club World Cup: Referees to Use Body Cameras
FIFA has announced that referees will wear body cameras during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This initiative aims to provide fans and broadcasters with unique perspectives from the referees’ viewpoints, enhancing the viewing experience. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s referees committee, stated that this approach offers a “new experience” by delivering images from angles previously unavailable. Additionally, the footage will serve as a valuable tool for referee training and post-match evaluations, allowing officials to analyze their decisions more thoroughly.
The implementation of body cameras follows successful trials in grassroots football in England, where they contributed to a reduction in abuse towards referees. Similar initiatives have been tested in Germany’s Bundesliga and the United States’ Major League Soccer. Notably, Premier League referee Jarred Gillett wore a body camera during a match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, providing insights into the referee’s perspective.
In addition to the introduction of body cameras, FIFA plans to address time-wasting tactics by goalkeepers during the tournament. A new rule will penalize goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds by awarding a corner kick to the opposing team. This measure aims to maintain the game’s pace and discourage deliberate delays.
The 32-team tournament will feature prominent clubs, including English teams Manchester City and Chelsea. To accommodate the competition’s schedule, the Premier League has adjusted its summer transfer window, temporarily opening it before the tournament begins.
These innovations reflect FIFA’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the sport’s integrity and entertainment value.