Referee body-cameras could feature at 2026 World Cup after green light from IFAB

Referee body-cameras could be used at next summer’s World Cup after the game’s lawmakers formally gave the green light to extend their use on Wednesday.

The cameras were used at the Club World Cup in the United States, which finished earlier this month, and the directors of the International Football Association Board, which sets football’s laws, have given their approval for other competitions around the world to follow suit.

The aim of the cameras trial was to see whether it would enrich the viewing experience by providing footage from the referee’s perspective.

Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of FIFA’s referees committee, hailed the success of the cameras and said the trial had gone “beyond expectations”.

It therefore seems extremely likely world football’s governing body will want to use the cameras in its showpiece national-team tournament next summer.

“We thought it would have been an interesting experience for TV viewers and we’ve received great comments,” Collina told fifa.com earlier this month.

“We were asked, ‘Why not in all the matches?’ and even more, ‘Why not in all sports?’

“We had the possibility to see what the referee sees on the field of play. And this was not only for entertainment purposes, but also for coaching the referees (and) to explain why something was not seen on the field of play.”

The cameras highlighted how a handball by an Atletico Madrid defender in their match against Paris St Germain could not be given onfield by the referee because his line of vision was blocked, with the VAR able to alert the on-field official.

In the meantime, other competitions around the world can now adopt this innovation, including domestic leagues.

Competitions wishing to participate in the extended trial will need to seek permission from the IFAB and from FIFA, who will provide detailed recommendations and technical information to help them use the technology effectively.