IFAB Approves Referee Body Cameras for Premier League, Global Competitions

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved the extended use of referee body cameras following successful trials at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. These cameras provide a new perspective for broadcasts by showing what referees see on the field, enhancing viewer experience and aiding referee coaching. The technology is expected to be featured at the 2026 World Cup and could be integrated into the Premier League's 2025-26 season broadcasts, pending club approval on usage details. Premier League referee Jarred Gillett previously wore a body camera during a match in May 2024, marking an initial experiment in English professional football. FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina praised the trial's results, noting it exceeded expectations and sparked interest in wider adoption across sports. Competitions wishing to adopt the technology must seek permission from IFAB and FIFA, which will provide technical guidance for effective implementation.