Sport Analyst for Effizzie Magazine
John Imasuen
Referees to Use Body Cameras at Club World Cup in Effort to Curb Time-Wasting
Referees at this year’s Club World Cup will wear body cameras as part of a new initiative aimed at improving officiating and cracking down on time-wasting by goalkeepers, FIFA announced on Tuesday, April 8. The cameras will be introduced on a trial basis, following approval last month by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the sport’s global rule-making authority.
Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s referees committee, explained that the move is designed to give fans a unique viewing experience while also serving as a valuable resource for referee training and analysis. “We believe this is a great opportunity to offer audiences a new perspective — visuals from an angle never seen before,” he said. “It’s both a novel experience for broadcasters and a powerful coaching tool.”
Collina also highlighted how the footage could enhance referee assessments. “Being able to see what the referee saw during a match is crucial in post-game reviews. It helps us understand the decision-making process and the referee’s viewpoint,” he noted.
The tournament, which will feature 32 teams and be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, will also introduce stricter rules to limit time-wasting. Under the new directive, if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for more than eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
Currently, goalkeepers are expected to release the ball within six seconds, with violations punishable by an indirect free-kick—a rule that is rarely enforced. The updated measure is intended to speed up gameplay and ensure a smoother match flow.
