Premier League to Trial Ref Cams in Opening Weekend Matches

The Premier League is set to test Ref Cams in selected matches during its opening round of fixtures this weekend, aiming to make this new technology a permanent addition to live TV broadcasts for the remainder of the season. FIFA previously trialed Ref Cams at this summer's Club World Cup. Pierluigi Collina, the chair of FIFA's refereeing committee, noted that the experiment exceeded expectations. Following a review of the tournament, the IFAB, which is responsible for football's laws, granted approval last month for the Ref Cam trial to be extended to domestic competitions.

The Premier League tested the equipment in the final two matches of their pre-season tournament in the United States, including the clash between Manchester United and Everton in Atlanta. The Ref Cam technology involves referees wearing cameras on their right ear, connected to a microphone and transmitter, which sends video footage to broadcasters.

Why Ref Cams?

Sky Sports and TNT Sports are supporting an innovative trial that has also received approval from various clubs. The Premier League and broadcasters are excited about this new technology, which is expected to enhance the viewing experience for fans at home. Ref Cams do not provide live footage, but they can be utilized to deliver near-instant replays of match incidents from different angles. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which has faced criticism for some of its decision-making processes, is in favor of this concept. They believe it will offer insights into the challenges referees face during matches.

The PGMOL has been considering such an innovation for some time. In a trial last year, referee Jarred Gillett wore a head-mounted Ref Cam during a Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. While the footage was only shown in highlights later, it demonstrated the potential for real-time use. Additionally, the Premier League previously experimented with chest-mounted GoPro cameras during its US Summer Series two years ago, although no action was broadcast live. During the Club World Cup, Ref Cam footage was displayed on big screens at stadiums and was also broadcast by DAZN during the matches. The Premier League aims to replicate this format. FIFA is also expected to approve the use of Ref Cams for the upcoming World Cup next summer, following their successful implementation at the Club World Cup.