Referee body cameras made their debut in the NWSL at the weekend ahead of being rolled out at the World Cup this summer.
Multiple leagues around the world have already featured the technology, which provides viewers with a first-person view of a match’s key moments.
The cameras, which are attached to the referee along with their microphone, allow fans to have an inside glimpse into the officials’ decisions and conversations with players.
The technology officially debuted in the NWSL – the United States’ top women’s league – during newcomers Boston Legacy’s clash against reigning champions Gotham FC.
The move comes after FIFA confirmed that it will also use the cameras during the men’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Sebastian Runge, FIFA’s head of football technology and data, said that they will be featured at all 104 matches at the sporting extravaganza, which will take place from June 11 to July 19.
Referee body cameras made their debut in the NWSL at the weekend
The technology was used during NY/NJ Gotham FC’s clash against the Boston Legacy
FIFA confirmed that it will also use the cameras during the men’s World Cup
‘It’s really to celebrate the beauty of the game, the speed of the game,’ he said, according to The Athletic.
It is viewed as having the potential to act as a popular social media tool, bringing a new viewing experience to fans.
And its appearance in the NWSL at the weekend provided encouragement ahead of this summer’s showdown, as many fans welcomed the addition.
‘Ref cam is actually a cool idea. Seeing decisions from the referee’s perspective could add a whole new level to broadcasts,’ one posted on X, replying to a clip of the technology in action.
‘Ref cam is actually a cool perspective,’ another agreed, while a third claimed that ‘Ref cam about to expose every player complaining.’
‘NICE! Let’s get more of these dynamic angles,’ another urged.
It wasn’t the first time that the technology had been used during top-tier games. FIFA allowed the cameras to be used at the Club World Cup last year, with the governing body saying that the results had ‘gone beyond our expectations.’
They have also been employed in the Premier League this season with fans going wild over the incredible angles of their favorite teams’ goals.
