In a groundbreaking move aimed at increasing transparency and fan engagement, referees will wear bodycams during matches at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The decision, announced Tuesday, will see officials don the technology throughout the 32-team tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13. For the first time in a FIFA competition, broadcasters will be granted access to footage captured directly from the referees’ perspective.
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, described the initiative as a “new experience” for viewers. “It’s a chance to offer images from an angle of vision which was never offered before,” he said.
Referee bodycams have already made headlines in recent months. Premier League official Jarred Gillett became the first to wear one in a top-flight English match during Crystal Palace’s 4-0 victory over Manchester United in May 2024. The footage, captured for a special program promoting referees, was permitted as a one-time event.
Bodycams were initially tested in English grassroots football, where trials showed a reduction in abuse towards match officials. The success of the pilot program led to broader implementation during the 2024–25 season. In February, a referee used one during a Bundesliga fixture, and a bodycam was also present during Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich last November.
Major League Soccer has also incorporated bodycams in recent seasons, further cementing the technology’s place in the future of the game.
This summer’s Club World Cup will feature Premier League representatives Chelsea and Manchester City. The use of referee bodycams is expected to enhance both officiating standards and the viewing experience, offering fans unprecedented insight into the on-pitch decision-making process.
